Some thoughts on self care
An over-simplified prescription.
To be honest, I’ve been over the pressure of self care. Somewhere alone the line, prescribed “self care” became a ritualistic necessity instead of true rest.
In the sensory overload of this world, they tell me to do more of it.
Read a book! Take a bath! Go on a walk! Get a coffee! Schedule a massage! Exercise and journal every morning!
I may like all of these things but I’m tired of hearing that I need to do them in order to be fulfilled. Little delights turn into big anxieties when I simply cannot have a structured day in this season.
I can have an entire day, from morning to night, where I’m unable to do anything extra for myself. I can have a whole day where I’m struggling to tell someone I need five minutes to shower.
The suggestions come from marketing campaigns or from people not in this season: Eat a meal! Take a bath! Light a candle! (These things, by the way, are not “self care” they are necessary care. Society seems to forget the difference.)
We are setting ourselves up for failure by insisting routines for self care must be set in stone. I fear women are specifically being gaslighted when we are told basic needs count as added self care. Just think about the gift ideas that are marketed for Mother’s Day…
The Lord tells me to be still and know he is God. He doesn’t tell me salvation will be made complete in the pursuit of a bubble bath.
As much as I love it, I’m not going to find serenity in a shopping car or eternal perspective in a haircut.
The Lord is telling me *worship* is self care. Not the ritual of worship activities. True, humbling, sanctifying worship.
Prayer. Reflection. Repentance.
Today I’m going to try to practice this a bit better. Will that include a shower? Perhaps. I think prayer and reflection are going to be the real ticket.
What do you think?