Self-care
It makes sense that self-care will be unique to each of us. By definition self is, “a person's essential
being that distinguishes them from others, especially considered as the object
of introspection or reflexive action”.
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| Photo by Paul Self |
Clearly self-care is a different journey for each individual. Each of us brings a toolbox of strengths and
weaknesses filled with unique items. As a result our self-care is diverse. Some of us need space and quiet time to
recharge our batteries, some need to journal, paint, dance, vent verbally, socialize
or escape through exercise or music. My
definition of self-care would include all of these things and countless more
ideas. My guiding principle for self-care is that self-care will result in a
sense of grounding which will help an individual to replenish their capacity to
continue on with the meaningful components of their life.
Therefore, my self-care includes those things that I am passionate about
and the things that lead to much of my personal satisfaction and fulfillment. I
see this as a balance between the physical, social, and emotional needs we have
as individuals that allow us to be happy and productive members of the many
communities with which we interact.
Being outdoors is critical to my self-care. Whether running, walking, gardening, birding
or spending time with family, much of this I prefer to do outside. Despite my love of running, I have always
disliked running on a treadmill and I have never realized exactly why. I have always felt it was the shear boredom
of running in the same spot but it really has more to do with the confines of
exercising inside. The idea of a
treadmill set up outside in my backyard where I can feel the wind and see the
trees, birds and bugs seems pretty good actually.
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| Photo by Paul Self |
The quiet of the outside appeals to me.
I was reflecting on this just this morning as I ran through Colony Farms
in Coquitlam. Finding time to run is
always difficult at the start of the teaching year and this year is no
exception. Sunday mornings generally, are
quiet times for my family and I am usually able to reconnect with my physical
self. With age has come a little bit of
wisdom. I no longer run with
expectations of speed or distance traveled.
I make it up as I go and find the effort much more satisfying. I often throw my camera and binoculars in the
car in case I see something of interest (usually birds) while I’m running and I
will go back to take photographs. And if the effort to run just feels
ridiculous, I will go for a walk.
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| Great Blue Heron at Colony Farms Photo by Paul Self |
