A Vital Component of Any Loving Relationship
When we were on shoot with the mom and child above, I wanted to make sure I gave mom love in addition to playing with him. I began rubbing her feet and within minutes he came over and wanted to not only see what I was doing, but help!
This happens all the time.
When I work privately with kids they often offer to rub my feet or back after it's their turn. And I accept!
Giving and receiving love is a huge part of my job. I talk to both parents and kids about how everything I do for them, they can share with their loved ones.
Self-care is the basis of connection and vital to any loving relationship.
When issues arise in relationships, sometimes it's easier to say my child, my spouse, my sibling, etc. is struggling with a certain aspect of life - emotional boundaries, unkind words, sensitivities, anger - but often, when we turn inward, we discover their struggle is our struggle as well. All the things we see in them, we sometimes forget to see in ourselves.
Yet when we find ourselves pointing the finger at others or avoiding issues altogether, that's the most important time to look in the mirror and see what needs to be healed.
More often than not, if we begin to nourish ourselves and address that struggle internally, the issues around us begin to dissipate.
When we take care of ourselves, we improve our own life and the lives around us.
This is very true of kids.
We've all heard it a million times: kids are sponges. They pick up EVERYTHING. Now, this is not meant to frighten you - or do I ever want you to beat yourself up about it (because they'll pick up on that, too!) - but rather a reminder that everything you do for you, you do for them.
When you do a meditation, they benefit. When you workout, they benefit. When you take care of yourself they learn how to take care of themselves. When you eat well, the whole family's nutrition improves. If you are doing it, they are more likely to do it, too.
So this is an invitation to be conscious. A reminder to be gentle. An opportunity to let go.
Self-care pose: Legs up the wall
This is a yoga pose I do with the kids I work with (and for myself!). It is so very simple, but helps to relieve tired feet, legs and low back. It's also incredibly calming for the entire nervous system and only takes 5 minutes.
Lay with your back on the floor and your legs stretched up the wall.
Your bottom can be a few inches away from the wall, ensuring a comfortable versus strained position.
Arms can be on the floor at your sides or out in a T position. Whatever is most comfortable for you.
Optional: Put a pillow or blanket under your hips or neck. Listen to your body and do what feels best.
Rest here for 5 minutes or however long feels comfortable. Breathe deeply and relax.
How are you going to take care of yourself today?
Now it's your turn, what small thing can you do today to take care of yourself? Is the the pose above? Is it a cup of tea, a bath, lots of water, lovely music? Let me know in the comments below.
If you need ideas, click here to browse other free practices.
Or, if you're looking to be guided to not only care deeply for yourself, but also claim energetic, spiritual, physical and emotional abundance, click here to learn about the Abundant Living online course.
Much love,
Kelsey