Today you’re going to cultivate a support system.
If you are anything like me, you want to do it all by yourself. Stubborn, independent and headstrong can be both a gift and a downfall if we don’t know how to ask for, and accept help. If anytime an uncomfortable feeling rises up we push it away and proceed like nothing is wrong (raise your hand if you’re with me), then you are sure to feel exhausted and emotionally depleted most of the time. Until we can reflect on and understand whats going on with
us, there is really no way to sustainably and holistically self-care. This is an opportunity to seek a support system that creates a sound foundation for your new practice. It is an opportunity to reach out to loved ones, pause, take extra time to reflect and journal, meditate, go to therapy, find the tools you need, and practice practice practice.
Share your takeaways from the promos on IG and lets have a community conversation about it!
15 minute journal prompts:
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What is the hardest thing about self-care for you?
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What support systems do you have in place now?
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How can they be better?
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If you were stranded on a desert island what would be the top 3 things you bring for self-care?
Day 2 Magical Morning Practice:
Pleasure and self-care can be the pillars of your support system, your foundational principals to build a self-care practice on. When I think about cultivating support I focus on things that lift me up, make me feel seen, assist me, encourage and affirm me. Support can come from any number of places, and today you're going to cultivate your environment.
Environment Meditation:
Sit quietly on the floor, a chair, or your bed. Breathe slowly, noticing your body against the surface you are on. Take 3 slow breaths and picture your ideal, pleasure-filled, perfect place. Are you laying in a sunny field? Floating in the ocean? What do you smell, feel, see? What texture do you notice against your fingertips? Do you taste your favorite dessert? Are you alone or with a group of people? Like to listen to music while you meditate? Try our Guiding Light Spotify mix!
Spend a few minutes on the meditation, jotting down anything that comes to you. This is information about the kind of support you can create in your environment. Was it very sunny where you were? You might think about getting more candles and warm lights for your apartment. Were you surrounded by water? When was the last time you spruced up your bathroom to create a watery sanctuary? Were you surrounded by your family? Maybe it's time to get photos of your
Ancestors out to build an Ancestral Altar.
- What 3 elements were in your visualization that are not present in your home?
- Write down 2 ways you can create this supportive environment based on this information.
Takeaway: Support systems can consist of a number of things from a simple strand of Christmas lights hung over a bed to calling a friend every morning. Noticing what feels sticky about self-caring and asking for help will allow you to communicate this (and eventually advocate for your needs) with loved ones. Starting with environmental things that bring you comfort and support (cup of tea, a
clean apartment, a bath after a long day) creates an approachable and easy way to create and tend to your self care. Are your senses engaged? Are you surrounded by colors and textures you love? Small changes can sometimes be the biggest lifelines.
