Self Care in Every Moment of the Year
Happy 2019! I hope everyone is off to a positive start! This time of year is so wonderful to reflect on growth from the previous year and set new intentions for this year.
I think setting intentions for the new year can be really fun! Often times though, our resolutions and intentions can be very rigid and leave us feeling exhausted, discouraged and stuck in a cycle. So, taking care of ourselves while working on our intention is essential! Being introspective and asking yourself, “What season am I in?” can be very helpful. Not only is it important to set intentions, it is important to know what season you are in with that intention. I encourage this step!
We are either in a season of expansion or mastery (Integrative Wellness & Life Coaching, 2015). Expansion is a season of spiritual growth, personal development, and bringing to life something new. Mastery is about being, doing, and having. It is about balancing what already exists and focuses on physical growth. Each season requires different tools. Helping my clients recognize what season they are in allows them to explore what supports them best in these seasons.
Examples of intentions I often hear:
I want to have a baby. (Season of Expansion)
I want to manage my weight. (Season of Mastery)
I want a better relationship with my romantic partner. (Season of Expansion)
I want to run without pain. (Season of Mastery)
One intention is about adding a new element to your life and the other is balancing what you already have.
Expansion is when we are adding a new role onto our plate, perhaps something we have never taken on before. Expansion is learning new skills and growing into yourself more in order to welcome that new relationship, promotion, move, baby, or bigger home. It feels like a time of preparation and can be emotional.
Some resistance to look out for in expansion:
ANXIETY
confusion
difficulty sleeping
feeling distracted
feeling clumsy in your body
In the season of expansion, staying centered is important. Some ways to cope could be:
prayer and meditation
stretching
neuromuscular exercise training
yoga
energy healing
spending time outdoors
speaking to a mentor or coach
spending time with a friend or colleague who has achieved the balance you are seeking currently
In a season of mastery, we are maintaining balance. The newness and excitement of the season expansion may be dwindling so different tools are required. Mastery requires discipline and commitment. Some feelings that arise may be “I don’t wanna” and “this isn’t giving me the reward I thought it would.” Sticking to the commitment even through the mind and body’s resistance is SOOOO worth it.
In the season of Mastery, resistance may feel like:
feeling tired
headaches
heaviness in body
procrastination!!!
impatience
Self care tips that help in mastery include;
prayer and meditation
energy healing
a regular exercise routine
an accountability group
working with a coach or mentor
setting a schedule-daily, maybe even hourly!
written encouragement you can see (post its on the mirror)
cardiovascular exercise
These are just some examples, yours may differ. These are observations I have made with my clients and myself over the past couple years. In supporting your intentions this way, you can keep your mind and body calm. Keeping in mind what season you are in may help you be more intentional with your time, allowing you to manifest your desires more quickly. It requires your attention, commitment and activation in the moment!
Use your internal guide on what you feel would give you balance. Working with a Coach, Healer or Therapist can also give you some tools on assisting you in the process of self care every day. I am totally on board with the whole “treat yo self” mentality as a way of self care, but I feel it is important to practice self care every day as we grow.
As a Holistic Healer and Physical Therapist, I guide and support my clients in what they are seeking to achieve in their lives. I would love to assist you individually in finding what works best for you. Reach out and make an appointment! Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Vanessa Febles, Owner of Body In Dynamic Balance, Inc.