Self Care & The other "Serenity Prayer"

Take care of your self. Many make the mistake of thinking that self care simply makes one selfish. This is, again, a result of our social conditioning where we have been taught to always "sacrifice" for another, always give to others before you take for yourself. As with most things - extremes are probably not what's best.  So, if you are always putting others ahead of yourself - it also means there is a lack of care and respect for your own Self.  

I like to take the example of being on a plane (taking a flight) when I talk about self care. If you have ever taken a flight anywhere, you will likely remember the cabin crew going over certain safety protocols with the passengers before take off.  In one part when they talk about "in the instance of an emergency .. the oxygen masks will automatically drop down ..."  In that instance, if you recall, the instruction given to all of us is to mask ourselves before making an attempt to assist the person next to you even if that person is a child or an elderly.  The logic is simple. If you attempt to assist the other person but in the process lose consciousness yourself, you will be of no help to the other person. Hence, one needs to take the oxygen masks, place that over him/herself first to ensure he/she would not pass out as the plane drops its altitude.  Only after one has done that, should he/she then attempt to help others.

In the same light, in our day to day living - consider that. If we are unwell outselves - extremely stressed out and feeling agitated or irritable - how likely would it be that we can be of kind, compassionate, and helpful to another? 

So, remember to be kind to yourself. While it may be  important for us to take care of our children or aged parents (or whoever), it is equally important to take care of ourselves. You can’t do well taking care of another if you are yourself not well taken care of. Make self-care a priority. Take time to recharge your "batteries." 

Also, remind yourself that at any given moment, you are doing your best. If you make a mistake, as we all do from time to time, own up to it, apologize, forgive yourself, and most importantly – what lesson can you take from that so called mistake to improve on yourself.

This is part 5 of the 5 tips I wanted to share.  Things we can do to keep our sanity during the "lock down." As we (in Malaysia) are now moving into a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), keep in mind all the 5 suggestions given are also applicable for all other times.

Remember also to look up hypnosis (or meditation). Neither is “religion.” They can be powerful tools to help us maintain a sense of peace and calm especially in these challenging times. Beyond this situation we are in – they can also serve to help us on a positive journey of growth, development, and well-being.

We are all in this together. We are all going to get through this – better, stronger, wiser, and more compassionate than before. And that in itself is a positive – a silver lining in an otherwise dark cloud.

Peace & Namaste
Sylvester