Luminous Heart Reiki & Massage

It’s no secret that health and happiness levels are influenced by self-care practices.

The often-overlooked element, however, is that self-care is an individual experience. Not a protocol that can be assigned by an outsider.

This is an inside process of learning to recognize what is needed in this moment, by this unique being. Which means it’s always in flux.

Sure, I have a foundation of self-care practices that are non-negotiable- rest, compassion, self-reflection, nourishment, movement, breath. But the strategies for addressing them is different all the time.

For me, there’s a lot of experimentation involved. I feel a need to strengthen my body, but how? There’s tons of advice online, but non of these people know my specific needs.

It’s been ages since I went to a gym, so I gave that a try. I don’t much care for the atmosphere (so many TV screens! WHY?) but it’s an affordable, easy way to access tons of fitness equipment.

After giving it a solid try for a month, I realize my original assessment was correct: not for me. But I didn’t really know until I tried.

Now I’m revisiting Foundation Training. I appreciate that it has a strong focus on anatomy, physiology and alignment. At one time it was very helpful to me but when a knee injury reappeared, I wasn’t able to do most of the exercises. That’s no longer an issue, so I’m giving it a go.

But here’s the takeaway: I’m not saying you should quit the gym and get an FT membership. I’m just sharing a real life example to make the point that we all need to get in touch with our own bodies and listen.

Look to the interweb for ideas, but do your own research.

Get the help you need if you’re suffering with a malady. AND then take that doctor/coach/therapist/counselor’s advise with a grain of salt and go with what feels right to you.

So many times I’ve worked with clients who followed the physical therapist’s or MD’s orders that caused more pain or delayed healing.

If you know something isn’t working, contemplate what you could do instead with this new data.

Be your own expert. Learn how to inhabit your body and hear your own truth. Take charge of your health and happiness and become a full participant in living your life fully.

Be willing to make mistakes and try things that dead end. Be willing to pivot when that happens and try something new.

Healing is not a linear path. Your zigs and zags, tangents and reroutes will be uniquely yours. Just pick one small thing and give it a try.

If you’re at a loss for where to begin, consider Reiki. This ancient healing modality can do no harm, can be received from anywhere in the world and feels incredibly relaxing.