The Key to Finding Time to Care for Yourself

​Are you struggling to find the time to care for yourself and your own spiritual development on a consistent basis?  You know that it would support you and your growth, but can’t seem to figure out where to fit it in?
 
Our lives seem to get very busy, don’t they?  
 
Let me share with you a key that I’ve discovered works for me, and I’m sure will help you. 
 
Take a few moments to think about what you do in a day that’s part of your rhythm and routine.  Your weekdays may be different from your weekend, of course.  That’s okay.
 

                                Maybe daily, you

•                                 - shower
•                                 - brush your teeth
•                                 - get dressed
•                                 - prepare and eat meals
•                                 - wash dishes
•                                 - sleep
•                                 - what else?

 



Maybe a few times a week, you may
  - exercise
  - spend time in nature
  - spend relaxing time with family and/or friends
  - spend time alone
  - have some fun
  - what else?  
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These pieces come as part of your usual routine and habits.  Were any of the pieces you listed part of your self-care or part of your spiritual practice?  How do you take care of yourself? How do you connect with the Divine on a regular basis?
 
A lot of times we think we don’t have time for this.  It’s extra.  It’s too much of a luxury.  Too many other important things to do. 

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​But, if we don’t take care of ourselves and our own well-being, then honestly we’re not able to show up as our best selves to engage in the world with others and share our gifts. 
 
What do you need to do to care for yourself and your spiritual growth?  And how often?  What revitalizes you and brings you into a place of balance?  What feeds your soul and nurtures you? 

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Whatever that is, the KEY is to make it a part of your rhythm and routine in your life.  How can you do that in a way that sets yourself up for success? 
 
Let’s first look at a few of the things you’d like to include regularly.  Consider these:
 

1. Deep breathing
2. Meditation
3. Prayer
4. Affirmations
5. Visualization
6. Mantra chanting
7. Movement/Exercise
8. Eat healthy foods
9. Be grateful
10. Play and create
11. Be in nature
12. Time to unwind before bed

 
Do you have others that are nourishing for you?  Add them to the list! Now pick the ones you’d like to have in your daily routine and see where they can be added.  Maybe like this:
 

• Morning – deep breathing, mantra chanting, 10 min. movement
• Mid-day – walk or run
• Evening –  be in nature 3 times a week, play and create 3 times a week – ½ hour.  Before bed, be grateful and meditate daily. 

Figure out how it can work for you, with whatever feeds you.  Now make it a priority and schedule it for the time and day you desire. When I say schedule, I mean write it into you calendar! That will help you make it a rhythm and routine – which is the KEY.
 
In the beginning, it may be hard to remember, so set yourself an alarm or write yourself a note.  Stick with it even if it takes a little effort to remember at first. 
 
Once it becomes a habit and part of your routine, it will become so much EASIER.  Give yourself about 4 weeks for this to settle in. 
 
Then, your rhythm becomes your strength, and your strength stems from nourishing and caring for yourself. 
 
Then you are ready to meet the world with vitality, joy, and strength each and every day!
 
Interested in adding mantra chanting into your spiritual practice?  Check out my easy-to-use guidebook and accompanying recordings that are now available, How to Bring Life to Your Chakras: 7 Healing Mantras.  In as little as 10 minutes a day, you can chant mantras to bring balance into your life. 

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