We are advised when flying with a companion, in the event of a drop in cabin pressure to place our own oxygen mask on first, prior to assisting other passengers. This is the underlying premise of self-care; ensure that we as students and practitioners are in our best form in order that we can be of service to others.
The following notes are from a presentation to nurses by Anne Day in San Diego, 2004. They are as valid now as they were then. Thank you, Anne!
A, B, C's of Self-Care
By Anne L. Day RN, MA, CMT, CHTP/I, AHN-BC (2004)
ASSESSMENT AND AWARENESS
- Physical, emotional, mental and spiritual
- We shift and flow every day in these areas. We need to check in daily to see here we need to strengthen ourselves for higher-level wellness.
BALANCE AND BOUNDARIES
- We have the most energy when we are in balance with the 4 areas of assessment.
- We must learn to give and receive and set healthy boundaries to insure time for nurturing ourselves and our relationships.
COMMITMENT TO WALKING YOUR TALK
- We must walk a path of holism and self-healing. This will speak louder than any words we say. The most powerful teaching is by example.
- The extent that you love and care for yourself is the extent that you can love and are for others.
SELF-CARE PLAN
List 10 ways to nurture yourself for greater balance and health in the four areas:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Mental
- Spiritual
Visualization exercise connecting to True Essence and how to make this look in your life.
- Make a commitment to self-care
- Clearly write this commitment, listing things in each area that you can do 5 days a week.
- Share this with another – make a commitment to check with each other in one month.
AWARENESS OF HEALING NEEDS ON 7 LAYERS OF ENERGY FIELD
Reference to Light Emerging, by Barbara Brennen, Chapter 8, p. 91-99
- First – Simple physical comfort, pleasure and health
- Second – Self-acceptance and self-love
- Third – To understand the situation in a clear linear, rational way
- Fourth – Loving interaction with family and friends
- Fifth – To align with the divine will within, to make the commitment to speak and follow the truth
- Sixth – Divine love and spiritual ecstasy
- Seventh – To be connected to divine mind and to understand the greater universal pattern.