DEE YERGO

Self-Care is caring for others

6/8/2016

 
Picture
In the last 4 days I’ve received not one, but two 90 min massages and I’m not apologizing about it.  If you think that is extravagant or selfish I’m going to let you sit with those thoughts while I congratulate myself for taking this action that is in support of my family’s well-being.

When it comes to taking care of myself, like many women, I’m usually my own worst enemy.  My mind seems to be trained into thinking that my personal needs are at cross-purposes with my parenting.  If it’s a form of self-care that needs to be purchased, I tell myself I shouldn’t spend the money when there are other family priorities. If I feel like a quiet walk or a longer meditation would be nice, my thoughts often stray to what I should be doing instead.  I tell myself I should be making dinner for the boys or running an errand.  It’s almost as if I’m subconsciously asking myself, what would June Cleaver do? Then I tell myself I should do that.

The word “should” of course, is inherently judgmental.  And for me, it can create guilt that is so powerful, I occasionally fool myself into thinking that the time I would spend doing something just for me, isn’t worth it.  Many times I make the mistake of neglecting myself in order to get to the next item on the to-do-for-everybody-else list.

As I’ve become more immersed my yoga studio's community of mostly women, self-care has become a topic that we talk a lot about.  I've been encouraging  we practice the skill of mindfully rejecting the societal bullshit that tells us that women should put everyone’s needs above their own.  We’ve been programmed into thinking that we ought to come last and moms, it’s time to realize that the June Cleaver’s archetype is a thing of the past.
​
I enjoy being a nurturer.  But I’m wise enough to know that a healthy body and a peaceful mind will make me much better equipped to serve those who need me.  Think of it like you're on an airplane, and they tell you to slip the oxygen mask over your own face first.  It’s time we divorce ourselves from the idea that self-care is selfish and remember that your time on the yoga mat or getting lost for a few hours getting a pedicure is for the benefit of everyone in your life. You are doing it for them. And Enjoy!

Namaste, 

Dee

    Archives

    July 2023
    June 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    April 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    May 2020
    March 2020
    August 2019
    July 2019
    April 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    November 2017
    July 2017
    January 2017
    October 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014

    Categories

    All
    Chronic Illness
    Healing
    Healthy Communication
    Invisible Illness
    Non Monogamy
    Radical Authenticity
    Relationship Design
    Sacred Sexuality
    Setting Boundaries
    Somatic Wisdom
    Tantra
    Transformation Coaching
    Workshops
    Yoga Culture

    RSS Feed


  • Home
  • About
  • Coaching
  • Workshops & Events
  • Body Work
  • Rituals
  • Substack
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
  • Coaching
  • Workshops & Events
  • Body Work
  • Rituals
  • Substack
  • Contact