Nurture Yourself this Season
It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is already upon us. It arrived so quickly for me this year, and many of my friends feel the same way.
Although the holidays are supposed to be extra-joyful, they can also up our stress levels for a myriad of reasons. Many of us experience disrupted routines, taxing travel, difficult family dynamics, excess food and drink, financial pressure, extra commitments, increased socializing. Holidays can also bring heightened emotions of grief and loneliness, and even the perceived pressure to feel upbeat and happy.
While we often feel particularly busy during the holidays, taking time to relax and and care for ourselves is essential for our well-being. This means daring to put our own needs first, and setting boundaries that we adhere to. When we’re rested and nourished—versus depleted and overwhelmed—it’s much easier to enjoy the holidays and bring our best selves forward.
In our Quest for Eternal Sunshine “Well-Being Begins with Self-Care” resource, energy healer Hilary Nicholls, imparts the following wisdom that seems perfect to share at the start of the holiday season. I’ve included her lovely and deeply relaxing nature-based guided meditation, “Nurtured by Nature,” which will leave you feeling soothed and rejuvenated in only fifteen minutes!
Self-Care Wisdom from Hilary Nicholls
Regular self-care is essential to maintaining our vital life energy. We feel so much better when we take just a few minutes several times a day to turn our focus from the outside world to our inner world so that we can meet our needs for rest, nourishment and fulfillment. Self-care is the opposite of being selfish, because the kinder we are to ourselves, the more joyously and lovingly we can give to others.
Falling into a default mode of constantly scanning the people around us for what we think they need, want, or expect can be very depleting. Most importantly, when we lose awareness of what our own needs are, there is no possibility of fulfilling them.
Listening to our body’s wisdom can help us discern our inner “yes” and “no.” Our body will respond to the question, “Is this the right action for me to take right now?” A definitive “yes” will often feel like an easing of our breath with a relaxed exhale, while a “no” response brings a feeling of tightness and holding the breath in.
Children learn more from our behavior than from our words, and we want to teach them how to avoid losing touch with their own needs so they can take good care of themselves throughout their lives. When we ignore caring for ourselves, we are programming the next generation to override their valid needs and desires as well.
People often say, “I simply don’t have time for self-care or meditation,” but the truth is, we need to fill our own cup first. Spending even five to ten minutes relaxing or doing some simple breathing or mindfulness practices brings increased vitality, clarity and a sense of peace. When we nourish ourselves, we tap inner resources that we may we not have even known were available, and our tasks are completed with greater ease.
Simultaneously, we must also learn to set limits that honor our energy level, interests, and availability. We need to make sure we put our own well-being first, carving out time to care for ourselves so we can continue to thrive and enjoy our lives. How often do we say “yes” to something, and then later regret it? It can feel confusing when we feel like the request is for a very worthy cause or a person important to us, but saying “no” is essentially saying “yes” to ourselves—being our own best friend.
Deep Conscious Breathing
Anywhere, any time, we can use our breath to bring us back into balance. Conscious breathing can help us feel calm and present—a state that is both nurturing and fulfilling. Try this exercise:
With kindness and loving care, place one hand on your belly and the other on your heart.
Bring your awareness to your breath, slowly inhale through your nose, slowly exhale through your nose.
Be aware of the rhythm. Follow the wave of your breath, feeling it flowing through your nostrils, down into your lungs and body.
Soften your belly; it moves out when you inhale, it releases when you exhale.
Expand your inhale into the rib cage to deepen your breath; relax your shoulders and neck on the exhale.
After three to five breaths, release your hands. Now feel the presence of the life-force flowing through your whole body. Notice the sense of calm presence and peace within.
The Healing Beauty of Nature
Our bodies are naturally attuned to the elements of nature because we are made of the same elements. Natural beauty helps our bodies relax and be open to receive. The sound of birds singing, the scent of a flower on the breeze, the sight of waves cresting and rolling onto the beach—are all food for our well-being. When we slow down and drink in our surroundings, nature helps us shift gears and return to calm. A few minutes in nature is an act of self-love and care, so take some time for it every day.
Nature-based guided meditations are a great way to use our imaginations to bring ourselves into beautiful, natural environments that nourish our heart and soul. Our subconscious doesn’t know the difference between a so-called ‘real’ experience and an imagined one, so our body responds the same way to visualizations as to actual experiences.
During this guided meditation, as your breath slows and deepens, let the images, scents and sounds that you’d enjoy in nature permeate your being. Enjoy!
