Self-Nurturing

Self-Nurturing

In our fast paced world, driven often primarily by ambition and goals - by DO-ing - we miss out on the balance of experiencing DO-ing's counterpart which is the state of BE-ing. The BE-ing state is not inert necessarily, but it is a state that connects us rapidly to our body, our emotions, and the present moment. It inspires or is inspired by activities that slow down time, or are free of time limits or pressures. For example, yoga, meditation, swimming at the beach, spending time with a dear friend, creating art, reading a novel, cooking, hiking, writing, gardening, love-making, dancing, taking a bath, etc....these are all things that soothe our nervous system, slow us down, and connect us to ourselves in a unique and nurturing way. Here is a small exercise we can do from time to time to check in with our lives and see if we can create more of a balance. Please answer the following questions, as honestly as possible.

Focus on your "wants." Write the first answer that comes to mind. Give yourself permission to let your desires run free.

	What’s most important to you at this time in your life?
	Where would you like to spend more of your time?
	If you could do anything you wanted without restrictions, what would it be?
	Are there areas that need your attention, like your health, a relationship, work or financial concerns?
	Is there a secret dream or desire that keeps getting put on the back burner that you’d like to devote more time to? If so, what is it?
	What needs less attention? What needs more? Based on your answers, think of things that you would like to experience on a regular basis that support your wants- which are more often in fact, your "needs". Things that move you closer to the balance you desire in your life. Write -up a list. The Pleasure Program Whip out your calendar and open it to tomorrow. Place your list next to your calendar. Now on each and every day, schedule two pleasurable activities. Keep an eye out for balance. Choose activities that are realistic. For example: MONDAY Talk to my best friend Go for a walk TUESDAY Meditate for fifteen minutes Watch a movie with friends WEDNESDAY Attend a yoga class Draw THURSDAY Go to library and find books on what interests me. Get a massage. FRIDAY Go to the museum during my lunch hour. Put on music and do spontaneous exercise for twenty minutes. Have a nice dinner with my lover. * exercise inspired and courtesy of Doctor Sherri, FROM THE HEART MEDIA