Self connection vs self care

For some time now I have cringed internally when I hear the words 'self care'.

Self care is a term that has been bandied about since the 1950's. It was originally used in a medical context to describe the ways that patients could contribute to their health outcomes. Since then, it has become an often used term in wellness, psychology and pop culture.

I have tried to understand why I cringe when I inherently believe that we do operate best when we are looking after ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

• Is it because the term has been overused?

• Is it because it tends to be offered in what seems like a simplistic manner when we are tired, burnt out, grieving, or struggling in some way?

• Is it because at some level it seems to imply that our suffering has been contributed to or indeed even caused by the fact that our 'self care' is inadequate?

• Or perhaps it's because it implies that the person that is likely overloaded, is not doing enough, despite how hard they are working to continue to show up for themselves and their loved ones.

  
  

And I think that is absolutely the last thing that they or I need to hear at that point!

So I'm moving away from the self care check list, instead I'm moving wholeheartedly towards self connection. Being in touch with, aware of and mindful of how I'm actually doing.

Noticing what's going on in my mind...

What's going on in my body.... being aware of my actions and what I am doing.

Am I zoning out in front of screens to avoid what's happening within me? Am I running around like a mad chicken or slowing the pace?

Being disconnected from ourselves is one of the biggest issues we face today.

Reconnecting to ourselves is a key in our recovery, it's the path forward. It's a daily practice, a lifetime goal and a source of great joy.

And if I ever ask you about 'self care' in session you have permission to head for the door!

Reconnecting to ourselves is a key in our recovery.