Inner Light

I had such a wonderful May Day today. I spent the afternoon with my dear friend and hypnotherapist, Tammy. The combination of Reiki and hypnotherapy was absolutely uplifting and rejuvenating. I had let myself go far too long without getting this kind of support and release.

Self-care is so very important for Lightworkers. We deal with energy all the time, ours as well as everyone else’s. It’s sometimes hard for us to remember that we have to care for our human vessels or we will simply be unable to do what we do best–spread Light and healing throughout the world. It’s a huge job that we’ve contracted into. We MUST remember to care for ourselves and replenish our energies. You wouldn’t take a long road trip without making sure your car is in top condition, would you? The same holds true for your body. If you don’t keep it in good shape, it’s going to break down on you.

When you start feeling overwhelmed, tired, burnt out, and even depressed, these are signs that you are in great need of some self-care. Taking time out for yourself several times a week will prevent you from getting so depleted that you have no energy. So….be good to you, without guilt, without thinking that you’re being selfish. If you’re not good to yourself, you can’t be any good to anyone else.

All too often, people put the care and well-being of everyone else ahead of their own. When you spend all of your time on others and none on yourself, you become energetically depleted, stressed out, even physically ill or dis-eased. These are messages from your body telling you to take time out to care for yourself. In order to be able to give all that you do to your friends, family, and employer, it is necessary for you to take time every day to do something for you. Here are five things you can do that will keep you in good energetic and physical health.

1. Meditate
It has been proven that meditation relieves stress and replenishes energy. Just 15-30 minutes of meditation every day is enough to produce noticeable results. There are many CDs on the market to help you start a daily meditation routine.

2. Spend time in nature
Getting outside and soaking up some sun is a great way to rejuvenate yourself. You can garden, play a sport, take a walk, or simply sit on the deck and relax doing nothing. Absorbing natural light is an instant pick me up.

3. Take a nice hot bath
Do you remember the old commercial for Calgon? There was a woman relaxing in a big tub and her line was, “Calgon, take me away!” There’s a reason why she looked so content! Light some candles and incense and feel the stress melt away into the water.

4. Eat healthy
A healthy diet loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables will keep your body running efficiently. The healthier you are, the more energy you’ll have to keep up with everyone and everything in your life. You can’t keep up if you’re always sick and tired because of a poor diet.

5. Take up a hobby
Engaging in a hobby is a great way to be good to you. You are doing something you enjoy that isn’t (or shouldn’t be) stressful, and will allow you the opportunity to take pleasure in doing something by yourself. Find something that will completely take your mind off of all your obligations for awhile.

If you make time every day to do something that is just for yourself, you will be much healthier physically, mentally, and emotionally. You can’t operate at your best if you are under constant stress with nothing to relieve it. If you aren’t good to yourself first, you can’t be any good to others. Most of all, keep in mind that self-care is not selfish! There is no need to feel guilty or upset if you take time to be alone and rejuvenate. It is just as important for you to care for yourself as it is for you to care for others.