Sunday, September 1, 2019

Journey to Self-care and Personal Development

Sometime in 2013, I met a wise old man in an Elderly Home Care in New Delhi. He is bright because of the great wisdom he imparted to me for about an hour of meaningful conversation. He is a sage; his intellect may be far beyond our consciousness, but one thing that made him inferior at that time was that he was physically ill and unable to enjoy what a physically able-bodied person could do.

The volunteers, residents, and Founder of Panchvati Elderly Care Home, Ms. Neelam Mohan, in New Delhi on June 27, 2013.

He offered me his mental and spiritual consciousness and life experiences from that conversation. That was one of the most profound conversations I ever had, and I was so thankful that I met someone like him. What an aha! Moment and a blissful encounter.

So yes! Some people may have reached the level of "intelligentsia, a Saint or a Sage," which is a developed mental and spiritual level of consciousness, but some have failed in physical health. However, some people may just be of average intelligence, but they are physically fit and enjoy what life can offer.

When I left the wise man's room, I realized that it would be better to improve oneself and reach that level of consciousness just like him and at the same time physically well so we can enjoy our most extraordinary lives, living a great life.

Just like those elderly residents that I have met in that home care, most of them had medicines for their health conditions. They used to become active in their younger years but later experienced some pains and suffering on physical, mental, and emotional levels of health.

On that day, when I gave a health talk and some practical exercises to the elderly residents in the home care, I felt their desire to bring back their physical health, and some of them perhaps have regrets.

So here comes the importance of self-care; no matter how much success we have attained in life, some will be bound for physical suffering as we age when we neglect some levels of health. For instance, we may be mentally healthy, but stress, anxiety, and fatigue lead to illness and health imbalance.

Self-care is about doing activities promoting health and wellness; sometimes, we only have a little time and effort because we think we only have a limited time and must work harder and aspire for more to live more comfortably and successfully.

Self-care is about healing our well-being after a stressful day. It could also be healing our emotions when we feel sad or depressed. It is also about clearing our minds when troubled. It uplifts our souls when we are lost and in the dark. So everything in life is a balancing act to soar high. We must balance physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health for complete well-being.

Thinking that self-care is a selfish act and expensive? That weekend treat in a spa and wellness center could be costly, but some things in life are worthwhile for a bit of expense.

That weekend travel getaway with your family or friends could lead to rejuvenation. Spending time at the beach, river, or lake is like breathing out your inner toxicities, making you feel lighter and calmer. Barefoot walking in the sand or river stones promotes earthing or grounding, feeling more attached to nature and earth. Nature is lovely; spending time on it cleanses our souls and revives our spirits.

In our travels, there are some things we could do. We can have meditation and breathing exercises to relax and heal our body, mind, and soul. Have some pure thinking while having your favorite cup of coffee or tea. A meaningful conversation with the family or friend. Do some stroll in the garden or nearby park? Appreciate historical sites, arts, and cultural heritage. Visit a church or chapel for a prayer or a mass.

Also, occasionally even a little thing relaxes our senses and can have positive effects. A body massage, aromatherapy, music therapy, and journaling. You see? That completes a meaningful and soulful journey. That promotes balanced health at all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. That is the essence of self-care! to bring back our holistic being.

Returning to our home or work, we feel renewed and whole again. However, self-care never ends. It is a lifestyle! It may be a struggle, but we need at least 8 hours of quality sleep. Eating foods with nutritional value. Having some "me time" to evaluate oneself. These self-care activities are essential for personal development.

At work, self-care must be practiced to protect ourselves from physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. It would be good to escape toxic situations and harmful influences that can degrade our self-worth.

Self-care is doing little things that matter to keep our balance and in perfect health. We must look into our being before extending our services to others. More excellent service comes with a great self, a love of beingness, and our holiness.


© 2019 Del Cusay