CHYK West E-Newsletter Message — Nov 2021

“True self-care is not salt baths and chocolate cake, it is making the choice to build a life you don’t need to regularly escape from.  And that often takes doing the things you least want to do.” ~ Brianna Wiest

In our society, the term self-care is bounced around a lot with recommended activities like coloring, drinking tea, calling a friend, etc. 

Inherently, there is nothing wrong with this.  Afterall, the intention of investing in oneself is noble and necessary, for when we have the right relationship with ourselves, we can care for others and our earth in an equally loving way. 

However, with more honesty, one might observe that the term self-care is often misunderstood and used as a disguise for validating indulgences or escapism. 

If we want to care for ourselves in a nourishing-lasting-uplifting way, we must shift our vision of self-care from short-term pleasures to long-term practices. 

True self-care is made up of small, achievable habits that bring calmness to the body, quietness to the mind and stillness to the intellect.

This month, introspect on your self-care practices and with viveka, assess what they are feeding…the senses or the Self?  In the spirit of Dipavali, re-commit to one practice that you know is good for you that you’ve been holding yourself back from, like writing or japa.  Dedicate yourself to this daily and reflect on how you feel come December.