Self-Care Exercise #1

Here's an exercise I thought would be fun and useful for us to do.

What five specific things do you want to focus on and commit to doing in the next four weeks as part of your program of self-care?

Here are mine:

1. Take at least two breaks during each day where I relax, get away from my computer, and unplug from my to-do list.

2. Meditate at least 10 minutes each day.

3. Do some kind of art at least three times each week.

4. Go to sleep at 9:30 p.m. or earlier each night so I can feel rested when I get up early for my morning walk.

5. Take several deep, relaxing breaths whenever I feel stressed about money and bring myself back to the present.

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

OK, here's mine:

1. Go to the gym at least 3 times per week for 6 hours of exercise, two of them, Yoga. (I'm so much happier and energetic, when I do this!)

2. Walk my dog three times per day. (frees my mind, gets the blood flowing and reminds me that life is really about romping through the grass, sniffing other dogs and trying to catch frogs before they jump in the creek!)

3. Meditate at least 10 minutes per day (reminds me that it's not about “me”!)

4. do some contemplative reading each day (stretches my brain.)

5. Beware of caffeine! (keep the stress at bay.)

I'm thinking that if 5 things is overwhelming to any Radical Podsters, even choosing just one can be a terrific start. In fact posting your goals prominently and treating it like a game can make it fun - and more likely you'll do it. Even reward yourself.

How great is that? Earning rewards for treating yourself well! And if you share your wins with us, we'll join in and tell you how great you are!!

xo Julia 

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ok then… i’m in. I love that i’m doing this with you guys!

1. create a daily scheldule… make it a stretch, but not a stress!

2. Begin my day with bowing exercise (103 bows) & be completely present during exercise.

3. Come back to the work table and start making jewelry again.
( 5 days, on 2 off)

4. Read or listen to something inspirational every day

5. Walking meditaiton 3 times a week.

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This is an absolutely great idea!  I fully believe in the power of healing the self first, wasn't it Hypocratis that said “physician, heal thy self”?
I must admit, I have let this philosophy fall by the way side, since last September.  A very close friend of mine that I worked and shared my life with died suddenly, and to add insult to deep injury, my beloved kitty died the night of his funeral.  The following week I found out I was losing my job…..it was a really heavy time, and I dealt with it in not so healthy ways.
I ended up gaining weight, and depression but I found yoga and my spirit is slowly being restored.

So my path back to health is the following:
1) A morning power walk and meditation.
2) Bikram yoga five days a week….I admit it, I'm addicted!
3) Healthful meals that nourish my body and soul.
4)Quality time with my 2 sweet kitties, so theraputic!
5)Meditation on positive change every night before I fall asleep to release my intention to the universe on love, peace, and personal fulfillment. 

This is a wonderful topic, thank you for introducing it!!
Melissa

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Cool Melissa! Funny how we let out self care go sometimes, just when we need it most! Kudos to you for getting back on track!

Take great care, Julia 

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I'm in.

1) Meditate at least once each day.

2) Learn to control my anger when driving – trying tonglen right now.

3) Pick up a couple of new clients at the gym.

4) Be more consistant with my cardio so as to balance the weight work.

5) Spend more time with Kira (she's my partner).

This is my first post here, so a little about me: full-time personal trainer, writer, blogger. Too much work, too little time to just be.

Peace,

Bill 

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Hey Bill - Welcome! I used to be a personal trainer, myself!

Take care, JUlia 

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What a terrific exercise! Here's mine:

1) To maintain a healthy relationship to exercise ; my problem is that I overdo it; I insist on exercising even when I've already done plenty to keep myself fit and healthy

2) To meditate 20 minutes, twice a day (this really helps me stay anchored!)

3) To do more yoga; once a week is not enough!

4)To cut down on caffeine (I'm with you, Julia, caffeine does NOT contribute to my being centered)

5) To be more present in daily activities; even the seemingly mundane ones.

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Hey all! Nice to be here!

my five (tough to limit it to that, eh?)

1.Get enough rest:  Can't say this enough.  This means being really aware of how much I put out -vs- what I put in energy wise.

2. Ground, shield, grid:  Being really empathic means that I can take on a lot of other people's stuff easily.  I need to clear myself regularly to ensure my own spiritual/energetic health.

3. Set appropriate boundaries: This is about respecting myself and crafting a life with intent. I need to respect my inner directive and sometimes that flys in the face of what others need. I need to step up and stand up for myself and honor who and what I am.

4.Water. Water. Water:  drink it….lots. Staying hydrated is crucial to my wellbeing.

5. Take care of my spirit: meditate, pray, be still, yoga, whatever it is that I need for the day to heal and regenerate my spirit is a TOP priority.

so much more, but that is it for now!

 Another Julia

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Fantastic, Julia! No need to limit to 5 if more feels right.

I'm unfamiliar with these terms: Ground, Shield, Grid. Would you mind explaining them, please?

Glad to have you in this pod!

Take great care, Julia 

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I'm in, thanks for the great idea!

1.  start each morning with yoga-really helps center me and is the best way to start my          day.

2.  work on quitting smoking-I know, this is the WORST thing I could do to myself

3.  eat healthier

4.  build up exercise SLOWLY-I stop and start and want to gradually increase so I will 
      stick with it

5.  learn to meditate-I've tried for years and have difficulty letting go

 

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Great choices Lisa -

Quitting smoking is the most important of these. You may need to fill the void with something else. What could you do instead of smoking?

Also, accountability can work wonders. Would you be willing to report in to this pod every week about how your quitting smoking plan is going?

Good luck! Julia

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Hi Julia,

yes, I am willing to report in every week to let you know my progress on quitting smoking and how I am filling the void.  Thank you for the support!

Love,

Lisa

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hi Lisa,

you have my full support on this! and if I may share something from my own experience (I smoked for 13 years) – I went to a workshop back in 1985 that sparked huge transformation in me, and when I got back from the workshop, I knew that the “me” who smoked was becoming the “me” of the past – I started only buying cigarettes I didn't like the taste of, and over a period of about a month smoking became associated with unpleasantness – then one day I just knew I didn't want to smoke anymore – I declared, “I am a nonsmoker for the rest of my life” and it worked

and, as Julia suggested, I also substituted other, healthier activities – other kinds of self-care that soothed me

your podmates are here to support you!!

Kira 

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Thank you Kira for your kind words, support, and wisdom.  I will take your suggestions to heart. 

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Hey Kira and Lisa - You guys rock!

xo Julia

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(takes a deep breath)

1. Go to the support group I've joined and really participate
2.  Stop the negative self talk - be aware !
3.  Practice yoga every other day
4.  Take Wednesday nights away from my family and really focus on me
5.  Keep my Bigger Game moving forward

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Hi Trudi, Lisa here.  I wish you well with your goals.  I am very familiar with negative self-talk and have really tried to become conscious of when i do it.

peace and love,

Lisa

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Great goals Trudi - How can we help to keep you on track?

xo Julia

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Julia -

Keep this forum going!  It's a great reminder to me to stay focused on the positive.

Trudi

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yep! We all need to stay engaged in order for this pod to work its magic. So Trudi, what would work best for you to keep this pod going? What do you need from me, us, yourself?

And for EVERONE reading this, please add a comment or ask a question or offer a kind word to someone before you leave this pod, today. You have no idea how valuable it may be.

And as your host, I can tell you that what I need to keep the RADICAL pod thriving, is your comments, questions and kind words!!

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I need to check in and PARTICIPATE in this pod every single day!

 It really helps keep focused.  And the self-care exercises are great for staying on track.

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Absolutely! In life, participation is always the key!

What would help you check in and participate everyday? A post-it reminder? Putting it on your schedule? More championing from us? Or something else?

Take care, Julia

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You ask a lot of questions!!

I LOVE IT!

Feedback helps.  Bookmarking it helps too!

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Thanks! Asking questions is the greatest thing, ever!

Bookmarking's pretty great, too!

So Trudi (and anyone else reading this), what will be possible when your self care is consistently terrific? How will you feel, what will you do, who else will benefit?

xo Julia

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reporting in….the smoking is not going so well….I am eating healthier…have not made time to exercise as of yet either…I am hopeful though

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Congrats on the eating! A great start.

Perhaps a cost/benefit analysis of smoking would be helpful (I'm not just talking about money, here)

What do you love and/or hate about smoking?

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I'm using the smoking as a crutch right now…summer class started, I recently broke up with the man in my life (over three years together)…I hate everything about smoking, the cost, the smell, what it does to my body…I don't “love” anything about smoking-it is a BAD habit and a crutch.  

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checking in…I've been doing yoga every morning, trying to eat healthier, and adding additional exercise throughout the day…the yoga also helps me meditate when i concentrate on my breathing….still working on the smoking, but I feel I'm taking some positive steps and that will soon follow

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Excellent - good work, Lisa!

Yes, your other great habits may get you ready to give up smoking. When you are ready you will do it.

In the meantime, be aware of the addiction gremlin. It will try to do your thinking for you otherwise and it's very slippery. Its mission is to keep you enslaved.

Love and kisses - Julia

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Hi Kira and Everyone,

Here are mine…

1. Spend more time with my dogs…they relieve my stress.

2. Spend 10 minutes a day doing yoga

3. Have at least one cup of Wu-long tea

4. Take a walk on the beach

5. Spend 10 minutes in Gratitude.

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Welcome Mikaela!

How can we support you in your self care?

Take care, Julia

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1.  Exercise for an hour a day. Do yoga/pilates and jumping rope/weights alternately.

2.  Drink at least 8 glasses of water.

3.  Spend time to pray and meditate.

4.  Have 8 hours of sleep.

5.  Increase vegie and fruit intake and be in control of portions.

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Beautiful Clang - What will make your exercise so fun that you'll look forward to it?

Take great care, Julia

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

I'm late in viewing this, but today must be the day as I wrote this list over my lunch hour just today.

 1.  First thing in the morning - tell myself I will Act, not just react.  I will decide how I want to experience my day, and do so now.

2. I will set a goal or goals for my day…how I want to grow, and I will keep that goal(s) in mind and fulfill it.

3. Exercise with a focus on the physical experience.

4. Meditate…meditate…meditate.

5. Remove myself from “myself” and focus on others…another person, issue…a butterfly.  Just remove myself daily from myself and feel the whole of the world in which we are a part.

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Wow Zoe - You're getting into the respond vs. react mode. Life shows up on a whole new level when we do this. It's high-end self care.

What did you notice today as you followed your list?

Take care, Julia

i LOVE you Princess Julia

If one day u feel like crying…. call me. I dont promise that I will make u laugh, nah i probably would but I can cry with u. If one day u want to run away dont be afraid to call me. I dont promise to ask u to stop……but I can run with u. If one day u dont want to listen to anyone…..call me. I promise to be there for u but also promise to remain quiet. But one day if u call……and there is no answer…..come fast to see me. Perhaps I need you.
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Send this to all your friends, no matter how often you talk, or how close you are, and send it to the person who sent it to you. Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them, and tell new friends you never will. Remember, everyone needs a friend, some don't ever leave the one u love for the one u like, because the one u like will leave u for the one they love these all to my friend's!!!

Re: i LOVE you Princess Julia

i LOVE you Jasmine.

If one day u feel like crying…. call me. I dont promise that I will make u laugh, nah i probably would but I can cry with u. If one day u want to run away dont be afraid to call me. I dont promise to ask u to stop……but I can run with u. If one day u dont want to listen to anyone…..call me. I promise to be there for u but also promise to remain quiet. But one day if u call……and there is no answer…..come fast to see me. Perhaps I need you.
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___000_____________00_____________000__

___000____________________________000__

___000___________THANKS__________000__

____000____________FOR___________000___

_____000__________BEING_________000____

______000__________MY_________000_____

________000______FRIEND______000_______

__________000______________000_________

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Send this to all your friends, no matter how often you talk, or how close you are, and send it to the person who sent it to you. Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them, and tell new friends you never will. Remember, everyone needs a friend, some don't ever leave the one u love for the one u like, because the one u like will leave u for the one they love these all to my friend's!!!

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

hello beautiful pod members

 these are my 5

1) to see the beauty in the simple things around me each day, to take time to pause and acknowledge. Today for instance walking down from the tram stop on the way to work I noticed the cloud patterns across the sky behind the city with the morning winter sun. I felt that even though I was surrounded by people scurrying to work, peak hour traffic and city that I stopped and felt peace.

 2) to maintain the balance of mind body and spirit each day, allow time for me, meditate 10 minutes each day, eat a balanced diet, take my iron & zinc tablets more often (i'm vego), go to gym 3 times a week, sleep more.

 3) Live in the now, try and not feel like I have to grab onto the time passing by me. Feel the experience flow through me. sometimes there is no need to think about it.

 4) Just let my creativity flow. Try to not analyse everything!  the best way i have learned recently to connect with my creativity again is to let go and just let it happen. I have begun writing short stories (but haven't ended any yet - i am waiting for the ending to unfold in my mind), knitting, doodling whatever comes into my imagination. Try new things.

5) Make time to spend with my dad and his family, listen more, build on my relationships with others. Project my energy outwards to my friends and family.

peace

muntz

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Hello!  After a warm welcome from Julia, I'm going to jump in!

1) Make eye contact with/smile at strangers I pass (I'm on the shy side with people I don't know)

2) Exercise 3x per week

3) Increase my five-minute daily meditation to ten-minute meditation

4) Eat healthier. (I need a LOT of encouragement with that one!)

5) Play my guitar at least 5x/week

Everybody has such good ideas!  I'm excited to hear how they manifest… 

Peace, Alisa

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Cool Alisa - I'm glad you're here! And hurray for you for choosing to eat healthier. What is one easy change that you could make today to make your diet a little bit healthier?

If you're willing, please make that change and do something really great for yourself as a “thank-you” gift.

And I'm curious, so please let us know how it went!

Take great care, Julia

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Great list, Muntz! Here's an idea for keeping up with your list, so you can easily live in the moment and still accomplish what you've planned to do:

Get it out of your head and into another storage space, like a PDA, a check list on your wall, or in Outlook or whatever.

I know when I have many things that I want to do, I sometimes stress myself and start living in my head. When I get it out of my head and put it somewhere that will remind me effortlessly, I get to show up in the present and still get things done.

Don't know if you actually need this suggestion, but I thought I'd share it, anyway! ;-)

Take care, Julia

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Hi Julia, thanks for your suggestion :)

 This is one thing that I am working on at the moment which is trying to remove my mental chatter and plans from my mind. I used to find it hard to get to sleep because of my thoughts swirling around so I started to write them down. The past 2-3 years I found a way which has been working which is to get out a piece of paper and write down anything that has been on my mind no matter how small big or silly on one side. Then on the other side I write 'what I can do about it' as a title and then for each point on the first side i write things like how I can resolve the issue, or to just accept something or to forget about it as it isn't important. Then I fold it up and place it under my pillow (almost like the worry doll concept). I find then my mind is clear from these thoughts as I know that they are on paper and aren't going anywhere while I sleep. 

I will definitely try your idea about a writing a checklist of all of my goals or ideas and stick it on my wall or in my 2006 diary (which I take in my handbag). I think if I have it where I can always see it or easily read it then this will take care of the daytime : )

 I look forward to talking more with you!

muntz

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Muntz - I love your idea for getting chatter out of your head and onto a piece of paper under your pillow! I sometimes have trouble falling asleep, too. I may try your idea tonight!

A diary in your handbag - also a great way to chronicle your thoughts without getting lost in them!

Brilliant! xo Julia

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1. Recognize that I am a child of the Gods; that I am sacred and deserve to be treated as such… by me.
2. Recognize that I am a man who has been raised in the American culture, and that this represents an obstacle to #1.
3. Take my spirituality and religion seriously, without being so serious that the Gods feel the need to send yet another “gentle reminder” that I need to take it less seriously.
4. Start my fitness program tomorrow. Just like I did today, and yesterday, and the day after tomorrow… Never let it get old and stale.
5. Get more sleep. Five hours is not enough.
6. Get away from the computer more often.
   
7. Spend at least half of my free time with my wife and daughter, no matter what they're doing.
8. Write more. Essays, poetry, letters…

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8 is a good number. You have a great plan for taking care of you (and the universe)

I love that you will begin your exercise program each day. Yes.

Julia

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Here are mine:

1.  To remember moments of clarity when I am so confused and know that I can get to the truth…..eventually

2.  To take time out of every day to exercise even if it's just a walk or a short swim or row.

3.  To be gracious to those who need my help; it is not enough to just help them, because I believe that graciousness is letting  God'sgrace work through you.

4.  To ask myself when I feel anger if I am being righteous, or just judgmental?

5.  To love my two and four-legged family  members with all my heart, every day.

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Beautiful Maura

>>To be gracious to those who need my help; it is not enough to just help them, because I believe that graciousness is letting  God'sgrace work through you.

It's such an honor to serve - and it's so easy to forget that!

xo Julia

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I love this kind of stuff….things I would like to focus on in my commitment to my own self care….this is good as I am a caretaker in some very real and serious ways in my life so keeping this on track is good…simple for me really but If I write it here I know I will force myself to remain accountable…

1…eat more fruit and veggies…..as a vegan its easy to get caught up in the protein/rice thing

2.  Walk 3 miles at least 4 days a week….by the end of the summer…5 days a week

3…drink more water…..i am varied with this

4.  relax more…real pressure right now with a pending move…emotional issues I am sorting through etc….so being calm can  make a huge difference

5.  do more fun things…when the pressure is on it is imperative to do something to balance out the heavy stuff….

Everything else seems to fall into place when i remember this simple stuff…makes all the difference in the world to do the basics first…..

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Hey Carrie - I'm glad you're here! Yep, hard to stick to the basics when the pressure's on. It's especially important for the caretakers of the world to caretake themselves. Otherwise, everyone loses out…

take GREAT care, julia

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1. Take care of my body: adequate water (thanks for the reminder), more sleep.

2.  Take care of my writing: write every day, even if it's just my blog; but try to do more poetry exercises; submit more things for publication.

3.  Take care of my muse: get out in the garden every day, even if it's only to deadhead and water; read something artful every day.

4.  Take care of my relationships: be kinder to my children & husband; give my dogs a bath and haircut as soon as they need it; keep in better touch with friends and extended family.

5.  Take care of my mind/mood: do yoga every day, even on the weekends, no matter how busy I am.  (I practice alone, and contemplatively, so it not only is exercise for me, but meditation, too.)

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Nice work, WendyB! It sounds like you're caring for the Inner You.

How does that effect your family and pets?

Take care, Julia

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Thanks, Julia.  I'm trying.  (I don't distinguish much between inner and outer, so I have to take care of both.)  I do yoga almost every day, but sometimes, esp. in the summer, with the kids at home and the garden calling me to get out there before it gets to hot, I don't do it, and both my mood and my physical well being suffer for it.

My kids and pets are affected, of course, cuz if Mamma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!  Seriously, it's hard to be as kind and attentive as I want to be when I'm hurting.

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Count me in. Here are mine:

1) Learn to stop and enjoy the moment. Don't do 10 things at once all day. At least once a day, watch rather than do.

2) Breath and relax. I'm stressed when I tighten my trapezius muscles and raise my eyebrows. Take this as a cue to do number 1.

3) Get better at the 80/20 rule, realizing what the 20% is that gets 80% of my results, and trying to get that closer to 80%.

4) Be kinder, which will come with patience.

5) Don't fight every battle. Let some go.

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MMMMM this thread made me truly think about what I would like to try doing, to improve me.

1) To let go those silly little negatives that weedle their way into my psyche and stress me more than they should.

2)To go to bed as early as possible, relax for awhile and let my day disappear and my thoughts go into my spiritual awareness.

3)To eat more fruit, even though it is winter here and I would prefer roasts!!!!

4)To realise I am loved by my man and to not doubt it. Embrace all the love I have and smile about that.:)

5)To do more art, or i will loose the plot!!!!

fingers crossed I do this for alot longer than a few weeks and will build on it.

Kim

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Hi  Julia,  interesting pod!  Ill give this one a go.

1.    To drink more water of course!

2.    To find the best way to be assertive with people,  whilst retaining my state of  compassion and understanding. - I find this is treated as a weakness for some reason.

3.      To be firm about my needs.  And not feel bad about it.

4.    To keep my house tidy - a place of organised chaos- it reflects on my mind.

5.     To, every morning without fail, practice my Falun Gong exercises.  Its only a matter of time organisation.

Susan. x

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Just read that back to myself…. and have just deleated what I was going to say!   I was going to apologise and explain why Im sounding spikey this morning.      Yes, refer to no. 3!     Must admit this is a good exercise!

Enough said.

Love and light,       Susan.  x

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Hey jusme, Shadow, susan and Everyone! I wonder how we all can keep this going for longer than a few weeks, as someone said? Here are some possibilities:

For some people, just having it visible makes a big difference. You could post your list on a wall, for instance.

Others like to make a game of it: Create a check list and keep score on how you're doing. Give yourself a reward at the end of the week. (don't laugh. this can work quite well!)

Or perhaps a supportive environment would make all the difference. What could you put in place in your life that would make it easier for you to practice self care than not?

Just some thoughts before I read, meditate (both on my list of 5) and then hit the sack!

xo Julia

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Julia, these are great suggestions!

One of the best things I've ever done to support myself and my self-care is to solicit the help of a friend.  Not only is it wonderful to have comraderie, but it's also building the muscle of asking for what I want!  From my experiences in teaching workshops, coaching, etc. – and in my personal life – this is one of the biggest challenges for people.

Importantly, I've found that there are ways that tend to work better than others.  I highly recommend having a set plan in place – after all, sometimes friends get busy and forget.  The most successful I've ever been is when we designate a weekly time to connect, and then both mark it in our calendars/set our cell phone alarms to go off as reminders.  And, for me, it works best when I do it before my day begins.

Here's to lovingly keeping our self-commitments! 

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It's hard for anyone to be kind and attentive when we're hurting. that's why self care is so essential! 

I wonder if there is a way for you to slip Yoga in early in the day, before the world makes demands, or if there is a way to make your gardening, for instance, a spiritual practice? Or perhaps this is really a boundaries issue?

take care, Julia

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Beautiful thread!  I'm aiming for a very loving, pressure-free, new way of being, so here are my five:

1. Have absolutely nothing scheduled to do for at least 2 days/week.
2. Go to the movies at least once a week.
3. Connect with a friend at least twice a week.
4. Drink 2 or more bottles of water ever day.
5. Eat fruit at least once a day.

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Delightful, Nancy! How wonderful to be reminded of the wisdom of nothingness!

Peace, Julia

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Aloha friends

what a lovely group here…feeling alive

My first sharing here.

Thank you Dear Julia for your kind invitation to join

I have beeen on the healthy lifestyle radically for 40 years now

Raw foodist (raw fruits and veges for 40 years )…

Windsurfing anb surfing adn working in the ocean with dolphins
lots of sunlight all day long.

but now the computer and networking and creativity has allowed this one to need reminders that even in hawaii it is important to get these constant reminders like you are sharing.

Studying the mind body spirit research for 4 decades as well as inspiration.

Drinking 8 quarts of water a day minimum

I am findng now that the response to the situations in life necessitates this type of networking sharing as we are doing here as it is quite easy to elave out bits of health…

I would like to mention that the many dozens of books I have read on sunlight and health alone point to the need for sunlight daily for many many reasons some of them psychotropic and many purely biochemical and psychological

So i hope you can all ivestiagte the many online support groups for sun gazing and sunlight and health.

Dr Zane kime MD’s book
Sunlght can save your life and
john Ott’s health and light

and the IV avantage are just afew of the many books..

Also www.watercure.com has all of Dr B’s book and dvds and cds on the relationbetween health and ydration(water)

I did most of the water imagery there on that website and many many others

Cheers and thanks fo such a great group of sharing people
Simpe reminders of important priorities.

Sun
www.sunstarphoto.com

http://sunstar.zaadz.com/photos

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Hey sun - Welcome! Hawaii is one of my very, very favorite places. the first time I visited, it occured to me that God had decided that there would be this one perfect place.

Yes! Your usual life sounds especially healthy AND it's possible to get out of balance, so you're wise to take extra care, now that you're spending more time online.

I love the sun AND as a redhead, I know the value of sunblock! Do you agree?

Take care, Julia

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

I just started a self care list of things I want to do every day.

• Start the day with the Five Tibetan exercises (I'm only on 3 reps…. )
• green probiotic drink with breakfast
•  Listen to my Ideal Weight paraliminal CD every day. (www.learningstrategies.com) It's only 20 minutes, I should be able to find the right time every day.
• when I eat, focus on enjoying each bite and staying present with the experience of eating
• express gratitude

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Beautiful! I oftern listen to learning CD's again and again. It's the best way to learn something in your bones!

Take care, Juia

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

1. Meditate for 30 min./ day

2. Hit the gymn for some resistance training 3x/ week

3. Get to Zaadz once a day for 30 min.

4. Meet with a student

5. Work on my book.

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Ah, a Zaadz a day for health and wellbeing!

Self care is a pleasure!

Take great care, Julia

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

I heard a suggestion recently that I really appreciated and have decided to keep in mind as I make my way through my day…

Every day make sure to include at least a little good stuff for your:

Intellect
Emotions
Body

(Some people might prefer the terms Mind/Spirit/Body instead.) It’s kind of like taking vitamins for your whole being. Rather than focusing on the annoying habits I have, or the things I’m doing that I don’t like, I focus on finding small ways to give myself what I need to be healthier and happier. I figure the more I do the good stuff, the more it will become a habit, and I’m doing it because I want to, not because I’m forcing myself to, so I look forward to doing it.

So, periodically throughout my day I think to myself, “Have I done something nice for my body yet? No? Then how about a little stroll around the block? Sound fun? Good! Let’s go!”

These things should all be fun, not chores. I figure if I’m not enjoying my good stuff then it isn’t really good. And I’m not talking about junk food, or junk thinking, or junk feeling! I’m talking about stuff that makes me feel better as a whole. (The M&Ms don’t count, since they only make me feel better emotionally, but they make my body feel like crap!)

Oddly enough, it’s the emotions that I have the most problem paying attention to. I spend most of my time feeding my intellect all kinds of nutritious and delicious goodies, and I’m ok getting a little human-powered-transportation and healthy food into my body most every day, but I have to really be mindful of finding something loving and fun to do for my “heart”. Weird, huh? But I do generally get some fun when I’m studying and helping people (my unpaid career at this point in my life). So that helps. But I also try to give myself a little bit of pure, unadulterated fun whenever I can. Like right now, maybe I’ll watch a the most recent Harry Potter movie…

Peace, Love, and Bicycles,
Turtle

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Brilliant Turtle!!

This is a spectacular self care practice for any RADICAL Podster!

It sounds like the emotional path may be the one that's most important to you now. When I'm on a path, I like to involve the people around me. It's possible to ask them for what you need like, kind words, encouragement, recognition for your accomplishments - or just a hug.

This is called a Selfish Automatic Sprinkler System or SASS. (which is, of course the opposite of selfish)

When your needs are filled, you are available to do for more for others. (You might point this out when you ask them to do more for you!! ;-)

Take wonderful care, Julia

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

hmm only five things huH?? :) here goes…

1. meditate daily
2. enjoy fueling my body in a light and conciouss manner (including the CREATION/PREPARATION)
3. act, not react (saw this on someone elses.. like it a lot)
4. yoga at least 2xs per weed
5. be the INITIATOR of real human connection, at home, with friends, in public, with random people, etc…

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Hey Steph - I like! If you could have more than 5, what would they be?

Take care, Julia

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Hi Kira, Great excercise and here are my 5 committments:
1. Excercise for 30 minutes everyday.
2. Create daily healthy meal plans for myself.  
3. Go to communal weekly worship.
4. 30 minutes spent in prayer and meditation.
5. Weekly plan fun family time and date night w/husband.
I am all over the place.    Need to get down with the nitty gritty wi/self.    I am usually last on the list.   Realizing how important it is for SELF CARE!!!!!   
Thanks for this excerise.    Any tips on staying focused and disciplined w/self.

Peace and Love,
Julia.

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Hey Julia - Here are some ideas for staying focused:

Get a partner (or a coach!)

Schedule it on your calendar

reward yourself (sounds silly, but it works)

design your environment so it's easier to follow thru than not

Design a consquence (I have to go for walks regularly, because if I don't my dog will pee on the floor!)

You get the idea…

Take care, Julia

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Hi Julia and thank you for the advice.    Yesterday, I scheduled a workout session with a trainer and called a friend and set up going to her church for services and bible study.   You are so right when you put it on the calendar and schedule to hook up with someone you have more follow thru.    I'll keep you posted.    Today, I will work on my meal planning and it won't include rice krispie treats.   
Peace and Love,
Julia

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Cool Julia - You're doing great!

Thank you for taking care of yourself!

Julia

Re: Self-Care Exercise #1

Hmmmm…

1.  Cut coffee.
2.  Commit to meditating for 10 minutes, 2x a week.  I can do that much - and work up from there.
3.  Actively pursue the causes behind my knee pain and heal them.
4.  Do morning yoga!
5.  Spend less time on my computer and more time playing outside.