Winter 2012
BODY, MIND AND SOUL CARING
Hello mamas everywhere~
During this time of year…a time when the holidays have come to a close and daily routines are back in place, mamas are once again doing something for everyone throughout the day….everyone but themselves, that is.
I am extending some "offerings" for nurturing/nourishing yourselves on the physical, mental, and emotional levels.
The following are the action steps that work for me in nurturing my body, mind, and soul:
Doing this…taking care of me on all three levels (physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual)…contributes to making me a better mother, wife, teacher, mentor, human.
And truthfully, if I don't create the time and space for it… upon reflection, the time and space creates itself once I set my intention and take the tiny steps to make each thing happen.
If I didn't make this a priority, I wouldn't be able to do everything I need to do in this rich and busy Life I lead. certainly not effectively anyway.
So here are my offerings to you:
Self-nurturing offering number one:
Create a five minute (or longer) daily mindful breathing practice~
The beauty of the practice of mindful breathing is that you can do it anywhere at any time. standing in line at the grocery store; waiting in the car to pick up the children at school; while you are filling your gas tank; while you are washing dishes, etc. you can also make it a more intentional practice by lighting a candle and setting aside "sacred time" for yourself a few minutes each day.
It is my intention to take time each day to center myself and bring my awareness to my inhale and exhale…experiencing present-moment awareness...and remembering who I truly am.
Self-nurturing offering number two:
Prepare some delicious and highly nutritious foods for yourself and your family~
Click here for my vegetable cashew soup and here for my raw food bar recipes. each takes less time than imagined and I make enough of both each week to last throughout the week.
You could also "feed two birds with one hand" and prepare these food-items with the children (and the partner).
It is my intention to prepare and eat highly nutritious and delicious foods regularly…as I care for my precious body...feeding my mind, body, and soul each day of my life.
Self-nurturing offering number three:
Exercise regularly~
If you need assistance in this commitment to Self as well as help in determining what your physical fitness needs are (I totally do), I highly recommend beginning with a professional fitness trainer. if you enjoy walking, running, or any other physical activity, make time for this a priority. above all, choose an activity you enjoy!
It is my intention to exercise a minimum of one hour per day three times a week…keeping my body strong, fit, and toned
Self-nurturing offering number four:
See a practitioner for bodywork/energywork~
This healing support is particularly essential for the emotional roller coaster of motherhood. look for practitioners of craniosacral, feldenkrais, reiki, acupuncture, EFT, massage therapists, etc.
It is my intention to have a session with a beautiful, light-filled bodyworker once a month as this healing energy-work uplifts me, grounds me, centers me, and brings me complete well-being on all levels.
Self-nurturing offering number 5:
Get sleep and rest whenever and wherever you can~
This is, I know, a tricky one for mamas, but critical for your well-being. go to sleep when your child goes to sleep. nap when your child naps. close your eyes (engage in mindful breathing…feed two birds with one hand) and rest at every opportune moment you have (do it right now…right in the middle of reading this email!)
It is my intention to be cozy in my bed between 10:30 and 11:00 every night that I possibly can…and to bring my awareness to my body throughout the day and evening…checking in to see when rest and sleep is needed and making it a priority to give myself what my body is so beautifully and wisely telling me it needs.
Self-nurturing offering number 6:
Connect with Spirit daily~
This is a personal path…and, for me, my practice depends on what's happening in my life. during times of much responsibility and what appears to me as little time to spare (I do believe it's just an "appearance" -- how I'm looking at it), I find that a silent "thank you" each morning and reading a passage from a book of a spiritual nature each day helps (I have a list of many titles that I'm happy to share---feel free to ask). and, of course, the work I do in my profession, thank the heavens , lifts me and connects me with Spirit as well (so much gratitude for the gift of working with parents--supporting them supports me).
It is my intention to connect with Life and the abundance of Loving and Joy that Spirit brings me daily…and to shine the Light within me on all Living Beings as I continue a daily spiritual practice of gratitude and soul-centered connection.
Each and every mama is so very precious…I so hope you will take a moment to create a self-care plan for yourselves. feel free to choose one or all from my offerings…or create your own plan designed to fit your own unique needs.
Set your intention now…for this year new year we have just begun.
You deserve it…and your family deserves to have the best of you.
Many blessings to each of you this new year.
You are loved~
melody
PREVIOUS MESSAGES:
Summer 2011: The Tender Job of Parenting
Spring 2011: What Parents Teach Me
Spring 2010: Please Don't Hurry Your Child
Fall 2009: A Way of Being
Fall 2007: Holiday Message from Melody
Spring 2007: Father, Dad, Daddy, Pop, Papa, Pa, You are important to your child...
Winter 2007: A Shift in Perception