We live in a fast paced world that seems to have escalating demands on us as business owners, as local community participants, as men, women, as husbands, wives, as fathers, mothers, as the role we have within our family at large, as American citizens, as men and women in our faith. We wear many hats depending on what day and time it is, and sometimes we are wearing several hats at the same time. We wonder how we will get it all done. How many more hours can we put into our day or days into our week. We feel so much responsibility for and to others.
In our culture women have for the last 60 or so years stepped into what had been primarily ' man's world' only she did not get to leave 'women's world'. She mostly has double duty to worldly job and keeping the 'home fires' burning. We see this in that heart attaches among women have risen since this occurrence. So women especially be sure to give care to yourself and what you yourself actually need. And men be sure to care for the women in your lives to assist in lowering their stress levels to keep them around longer. Perhaps we could all step into less stress and politely say "no" more often and do what brings us joy and recharging, which may be no-thing.
When do we reverse all of that and care for our self, or allow / create someone to give to and care for us? We all know that people accomplish more when they take breaks several times a day than if they don’t. It is a chance to hit the reset button. We each need that, and we each are the ones to allow that care to come to us. It is all too easy to skip that care for us and suddenly realize, sometimes painfully, that our own needs are not being met. How can you keep doing what you are doing when it is not at all what you need?
We can’t push all of that to wait until retirement. Just as business owners take time out to work on their business on a regular basis we benefit by taking time out for ourselves. That may take many forms: lunch out watching the ducks, watching leaves falling from the trees, floating on your back in a quiet pool of water, having a massage, acupuncture treatment, or facial. Doing your practice of Qigong, or reading a book just for fun. Express gratitude. Having a candle lit bubble bath. Spending time with a pet. Usually it is solitary or quiet time. All of us require some amount of this kind of recharge zone time.
I pose the question: Are you getting what you need to be happy, energized, healthy in mind and body? If not what will you do about it? What can you do about it? Some things just can’t be put off and off and off. Sometimes we place artificial deadlines on ourselves that don’t always serve us.
We seem to be just ending an almost two year drought. Eight trees on my property died about a week before the first rains fell. They needed the rain sooner. The Edwards Aquifer is replenished, as are our local lakes by life giving rains. We use supplies up sometimes not realizing that what is necessary is conservation and recharging. Where are the areas in your life that you can conserve? Where are the areas in your life that are ready for replenishing? Care for yourself while you have the energy to do so. Ask for help if this will assist you in caring for yourself. Have what you require. Compassion and gratitude begin at home. Be kind to yourself.
The above article may be published, quoted or reproduced in part or in it's entirety with the following attribution to the author.
Myla Rosebaugh is based in the Austin, TX area and teaches Qigong for people seeking balance and long life. Her specialty is care of your skin which is connected to all that is within it.
Myla Rosebaugh can be contacted at www.amazingface.com or 512-577-7152.
