Before, during, and after we care for others in the aftermath and afterlife of traumatic experiences we care for self. Self-care is foundational in the care of others. When we do not care for ourselves, we inflict violence upon ourselves. And we risk causing others additional harm. Here’s a small moment of self-care, a micro minute surrounding your soul with goodness and love to use at any time in your day.
Begin breathing in through the top of your head. Thank God for your head.
Now allow your breath to slip down into your shoulders. Breathe in and out from your shoulders. Thank God for your shoulders.
Let your breath slip into the back of your neck and between your shoulder blades. Breathe in and out from the back of your neck. Then breathe in and out from between your shoulder blades. Thank God for your neck and upper back.
Now allow your breath to slip into your stomach. Breathe in and out from your stomach. Thank God for your stomach.
Let your breath to slip down into your hips. Breathe in and out from your hips. Thank God for your hips.
Now allow your breath to slip down into your knees. Breathe in and out from your knees. Thank God for your knees.
Let your breath slip down into the soles of your feet. Breath in and out from your feet. Thank God for your feet.
Breathe now through your whole being beginning in your feet, traveling through your body, and out the top of your head. Thank God for your body.
Continue breathing until you are ready to return to your day.
Amen.
Image by lee seonghak from Pixabay
Jennifer Ohman-Rodriguez 