Struggling through with joy... |
kind of.
Struggling through with joy... |
I have a literal pain in my neck. It started yesterday and it’s worse this morning, running from a spot just next to my spine up to the base of my neck. There will be no sudden head movement for me today, although I think I probably look like I have excellent posture. If only I could sit still all day, looking forward, the pain wouldn’t bother me.
This spot always flares up when I’m stressed. It’s a little red flag waving at me. Slow down and do some yoga, it tells me. Go to bed on time. Let go of something. In my years as a teacher and a human adult living in modern times, I’ve learned how important it is to listen to the signals my body sends me and tend to my own needs as much as I do the needs of others. Taking just a little bit of time to care for myself pays dividends in the classroom and at home. I’ve grown weary of the term self-care, but taking care of ourselves is an unselfish act. If I’m rested, fed, stretched, if I have had just a little time to myself to read or think or write, to be something other than just a teacher or a mom, my heart and mind are open to the needs and joys of my young charges at home and at school. I appreciate them more. I’m a better teacher, a more patient mother, a kinder wife. So today’s slice will be short, because I need something different than my writing time today. I’ll be doing gentle neck rolls and rubbing essential oils between my shoulders hopes of being able to turn my head at some point today. It will give me time to think of my next slice, a surprising form of self-care that isn’t always fun but always teaches me something about myself and the process of writing.
1 Comment
Heidi
3/4/2021 06:35:49 am
Listening to our subtle body clues is so important for our well being.
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