“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” ~ Audre Lorde
Women have a long and hard legacy of caring for others in the United States. Take a look at the care roles historically held by women and also those that are rooted in systemic conditions, circumstances, and scenarios that drive caring roles for Black, Latina, and immigrant women, and you’ll see that they often do not end with the close of the workday. Many women - leaders in the home and outside of home -- do not have an “ end of a workday”. The clock is on overload. The tide is high and is often always high. Women often personify care.
The ubiquity of care gives me pause. “In the event of a sudden drop in pressure, an oxygen mask will drop from above. Secure your own mask first before assisting others.” This idea of ensuring our own well-being is at the center of self-care and building capacity when the tide is high.. Self-care is doing something that benefits you – and only you – spiritually, physically, or mentally. For many, cultural wisdom about health, spirituality, and the strength of community has often been provided by women elders. Our soul sages. “Everything on earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence.” Morning Dove, 1888 – 1936
The many resources held by women elders, we call them soul sages at the Tidal Podcast. These women often share resources, remedies, and soul shifting revelations through stories and anecdotal examples; they pass along history and understanding for particular practices, as well as helpful ideas that support women and communities of women seeking to improve their health or simply heal from trauma . We need it in these “high tide times” .
To practice self-care -- to build capacity -- is to make a decision to put yourself at the center of your own life. It means you have decided to acknowledge, address, and take care of your body’s needs – emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually, among many other ways. Put aside guilt, shame, anxiety, or fear that to place yourself first in your own life is somehow wrong. Find creative outlets that feed your passions, empower them. Trust your instincts. And please, stop being so hard on yourself. Give yourself some room to forgive yourself. Be kind to yourself. Get support. Take lessons from your sheroes. Frolic. Find your freedom. And when you do, the tide will turn towards your highest good.
We're going to end this mini wave w/ one important wave … Make time to Make yourself number one.
Until next time…..
Stay connected with us at @sarahgibbonsco and @tashionmaconphd.
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