5 WAYS TOWARD BETTER SELF-CARE

This image is from the amazing Gaian Tarot deck by Joanna Powell Colbert

 

                              HAPPY SUMMER SOLSTICE!

The summer Solstice is Thursday, June 21 at 4:07 am Mountain Time. This is the time where the Sun reaches it’s northernmost point from the equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is the day with the most hours of sunlight of the whole year. Have you noticed that your energy has changed over the past few weeks, in anticipation of the fire energy of summer? I know I have! This is typically the time of year where I have a lot going on, and luckily, an excess of energy in order to meet those commitments. It’s a time where it’s easy for me to book several social events (sometimes several on the same day!) and still have time and energy left over to do what I need to do. It's a great time for me to start new projects and revisit my goals.

But what I also know from past experience, is that even though there’s a lot of excitement and positive energy flowing, that if I’m not careful to tend to my physical and emotional needs, I can burn out very easily. Can you relate? 

How are you tending to your mind, body, and spirit? How do you make sure that you aren’t pushing so hard that you are causing illness or exhaustion? How do you balance that fire energy of transformation, movement, change, and passion with the earth energy of groundedness and the feminine energy of water that encourages nurturing and rest and recharge?

            5 WAYS TO WELCOME MORE BALANCE INTO YOUR LIFE

There are 5 main elements (air, fire, water, earth and spirit) that are a part of this universe, this earth, and in each of us. I believe that we must tend to all of the parts of ourselves to live a life that feels healthy and balanced. I tend to look at things from a systemic lens; I believe if one area of our life feels out of balance, chances are our whole being will feel out of whack. I invite you to take a more holistic approach to your healing by taking an inventory of these 5 elements and relating to how you are currently integrating them into your life. As you reflect on each element, think about what they mean to you, and how you can invite more of this element into your life for wellness.                             

ELEMENT OF AIR

What it Represents: Inspiration, Wisdom, Knowledge

Questions to Ask Yourself: In which ways am I tending to my mental health? Do I feel like I am intellectually challenged? What makes me feel inspired? Do I put time aside to cultivate inspiration?

What's helped me personally: Continued education and learning. Therapy. Unscheduled "dream" time. Time in nature. Balance of alone time and time with others. Challenging thoughts. Philosophical discussions. Articles, books, and movies that allow me to see things from a different perspective. Listening to music.

ELEMENT OF FIRE

What it Represents: Passion, Movement, Sensuality

Questions to Ask Yourself: What gives me that "spark?" Am I currently doing things in my life that I am passionate about? What makes me feel good in my body? 

What's helped me personally: Exploring my spirituality, both with self and others. Walks in the park. Stretching. Massage. Hot showers. Dancing. Starting my own businesses. Physical touch. Creative pursuits. Being present with my emotions. Following my impulses.

ELEMENT OF WATER

What it Represents: Intuition, Dreams, Nurturing

Questions to Ask Yourself: What can I do to allow more flow into my life? Am I getting enough rest? What does my inner child need? How can I tune in to my intuition better?

What's helped me personally: Paying attention to symbols, signs, and dreams. Resting and slowing down when I need to. Being gentle with myself and checking in to see what I need. Trusting in myself and my higher power. Meditation. Pets. Soft blankets. Hot tea. Tarot cards. Visualization. Shamanic journeying. Connection with others.

ELEMENT OF EARTH

What it Represents: Groundedness, Physical Form, Abundance

Questions to Ask Yourself: What grounds me and brings me "back to earth?" How is my diet? Am I taking good care of my body? Do I have good boundaries with others? How is my financial health and security? 

What's helped me personally: Continued growth in my career. "Back to basics" (making sure I'm getting enough sleep, eating nutritionally, tending to my health, drinking enough water). Being clear and realistic with my boundaries around time. Walks in the park, and laying in the grass. Structure (a continual struggle in my life!). 

ELEMENT OF SPIRIT

What it Represents: Connection, Soul, Purpose

Questions to Ask Yourself: What gives me a sense of purpose? What are my spiritual beliefs, and how can I live by them? How is my connection with my self and others? How do I deepen my relationship to the Universe/Source/God/Goddess/My Higher Self (insert spiritual belief here)? 

What's helped me personally: Mindfulness. Meditation. Deep breathing. Shamanic journeying. Practicing mediumship. Community. Rituals, celebration, and connection with others. Faith and trust. Nature and Animals.

After looking through this list, do you feel like there are any areas of your life that feel imbalanced? Are there any goals that you'd like to make for better health and well-being? Sometimes having an accountability buddy can help you achieve changes in your life and develop new habits--whether that's a trusted friend or family member, a spiritual advisor, a therapist, or a coach. Humans are wired for connection and for survival. We are not meant to go through life's struggles and joys by ourselves. I hope you are inspired to find what "balance" means for you, and know that you don't have to be alone it!

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