Relational Self-Nurturing and Self-Care
Quality of presence with yourself – deep listening – element of fire
Self-care series: The Circle of Self-Nurturing & Self-Care | Mental Self-Nurturing and Self-Care | Emotional Self-Nurturing and Self-Care | Physical self-nurturing and self-care | Spiritual self-nurturing and self-care
Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.
Coco Chanel
It starts with you
When I think of relating with others, I know that this begins with how I am relating with myself. When I have a healthy and loving relationship with myself then I am in alignment with my authenticity. I am then able to relate to others in a wholesome way.
Relating with yourself is integral in becoming whole. This allows you to explore your presence with yourself and how you connect with your authenticity. It also helps you to check-in with the quality of listening to your inner wisdom. Being present is a sacred act of self-nurturing and self-care. Presence is a gift of self-love.
Zen master Thich Nhat Hahn says that when “we walk mindfully we generate peace within our body, within our consciousness.” That when we embrace and heal the pain, sorrow and fear within us we bring peace into the world. The core of walking mindfully is being present in each moment. This keeps us centred in the here and the now. The concept of mindful walking is how we are present in every aspect of our lives. When we are aware of the here and now we are able to soak in the wonders of life becoming closer to the sacred.
The element of fire brings in joy and contentment
This arises from an inner awareness and appreciation of the beauty of your true self. Taking loving care and nurturing yourself in a mindful way honours your relationship with yourself; a relationship of wonder and curiosity. This is where you become present and in tune with who you are and what you need. Nurturing and caring for your own intimate relationship with yourself gives you the opportunity to discover more of who you are. It helps you find out what you need. It helps you to begin to listen deeply and with intention. When you are mindful and present you can identify the worries, fears and anxiety that keep you separate and disconnected.
Mindful listening allows you to hear your true and authentic inner voice. This part of you often is silenced and dismissed. This is where you may struggle with feeling heard. How can you expect another person to hear you when you do not take the time to be quiet enough to listen to yourself? This is a subtle aspect of caring and nurturing for yourself and is extremely important.
But how do you listen mindfully? Through mindfulness practices, meditating, being in nature and journal writing. Taking time away from your busy life to listen. When you are able to use your breath to go within and still the mental chatter, you make space for answers to emerge. This is a simple tool to connect more deeply with yourself. Giving you time to honour this precious relationship.
I am sharing a link to a beautiful piece of music – Grounded by Sacred Earth.
Light a candle and create a sacred space for time with YOU. Breathe into your belly and allow the music to fill your mind, your body, your heart and your soul. Just be with this piece of music. Breathing in and breathing out, becoming present with yourself. Here in the Now. Enjoy the feeling of connecting with yourself. Honour the feelings that come up. Give yourself this sacred time of relating with You.
Relational Self-Nurturing and Self-Care brings you into alignment with the core of who you are. Allowing the beauty of your authentic self to step forward and be You. This is a sacred rite-of-passage that connects you with your true self and allows you to relate to others in a wholesome and honouring way. This is the gift of presence and deep relationship with yourself.
Be Always Blessed, Nidhi-Amanda xx
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