Breaking Free from Mind-Body Duality. Part II
Integrated Self-Care: Nurturing Every Dimension of Your Being
Recently, we discussed the tendency to unconsciously over-identify with one aspect of ourselves more than any other. We frequently weave these identifications into our work, self-worth, routines, and values. Routines and lifestyles tend to serve either the mind or the body. Consequently, our perspectives narrow, and our outlook becomes limited to only a small fraction of our full potential.
Over time the various elements that shape our personalities drive the psyche. We can get lost in a maze of identities just trying to define who we are. However, breaking free from mind-body duality means we see freedom on the other side. The expanse we hold beyond all thought, identity, attachments, analysis, and judgements. We aren’t drawn out into the world in a stunted identification of body and mind, instead we’re drawn in from the world to see our true essence. We realize we are much more than the labels we’ve been given and believed.
There is no one-size-fits-all resolution for wellness. Ditch the quick fixes for genuine healing. Mute all of the superficial TikTok remedies to listen to your intuition. Even the lists below are only a guide of the possibilities. The path is yours to discover and know.
The Five Aspects of Self-care, the Kosha Model IRL.
If you sit with yourself and get really quiet, what is showing up to be seen and heard? What aspect of yourself needs attention? What will gather and care for the parts of yourself sacrificed, denied, or hidden for the sake of another?
In a intuitive approach to self-care, we honor the complexity of our being and the diverse needs that arise from our physical, psychological, spiritual, emotional, and energetic facets. Just as the practice of Ashtanga yoga becomes Kosha self-care, there are simple ways to access the fullness of who you are every day. All these tiny acts of self-care are a motion for your genuine healing.
Physical Self-Care:
Get the right nutrients; eat for your health
Stay active
Stay hydrated
Get regular physical exams; seek medical care when you notice symptoms
Nourish your skin with sesame oil
Get enough sleep
Establish a morning routine
Establish a bedtime routine
Psychological Self-Care:
Aromatherapy
Spend time in nature
Talk therapy
Take a vacation
Journal
Avoid overworking
Ditch your devices
Read about something new
Spiritual Self-Care:
Practice Yoga
Go for a walk in the woods
Dedicate time to explore your creative side
Practice Compassion
Meditate, Pray
Self-inquiry; learn who you are and what you want
Yoga Nidra
Watch the sunrise or sunset
Emotional Self-Care:
Draw, Paint, Write
Send a Love or Thank You Note
Join a support group
Create time for Intimacy.
Guided Relaxation
Laugh or Cry it Out
Spend time with Loved Ones
Make a wish, Set an Intention, Set a Goal
Energetic Self-Care:
Get energy work: Reiki, Marma therapy, Polarity
Rest and DO NOTHING
Set and Keep Boundaries
Ask for help with projects
Practice saying No
Sit by the water, Swim
Detox From Social Media
Take some Time by Yourself
Shatter Your Limits: A Deep Dive into Integrative Self-Care
We need to recognize the symptoms of our own imbalance. Depression, anxiety, fatigue, disenchantment, aches, pain, confusion - the list of signs is endless. It doesn’t matter what the symptom is; what matters is that it’s there. You’re receiving a signal that something needs addressing.
Integration is a process of leaning and learning. We lean into the aspects of ourselves that need the most support and learn what truly heals the splintered pieces. These fractured pieces show us the way. We break apart so we can come back together. Then every ritual of self-care fuels the self-love that navigates the healing journey. We unabashedly let go - into the entire spectrum of being human.
