My ever evolving self care journey
365 Days of Vedic Meditation
In a world where constant busyness and digital noise dominate our lives, the pursuit of self-care has become more crucial than ever, particularly for those working in the helping professions. We're bombarded with quick fixes and lots of self care talk about exercising, eating well and ensuring work life balance (I should mention these are all great things!) But the truth is, self-care is a personal journey that requires dedication, self-awareness, reflection and the right tools. And I am no stranger to this process!
The last few months I have trained in and have been practicing Vedic Meditation and so I wanted to share my journey, not as an advert for Vedic Meditation but to share my ongoing self care process (and lets face it as a means to keep myself accountable too).
I’ve dabbled in meditation/ mindfulness for many years, using mindfulness apps and guided sessions. Yet, despite my efforts, I struggled to establish a consistent practice. Doubts crept in, and I often questioned whether I was doing it right or if meditation was even meant for me. I came across Vedic Meditation and was intrigued, knowing I wanted to try something different, I signed up for in person training.
It didn't take long to notice the impact on me, I felt calmer, more content, and surprisingly, even more motivated. The promise of this practice was alluring, but there was a catch – commitment. It is recommended that Vedic meditation is practiced twice a day for 20 mins each time. A big commitment for a ‘busy’ person like myself and that’s where this post comes in. I say ‘busy’, because yes I am a busy person but I am so sick of that word and what it means, not to mention how much time I waste doomscrolling in particular which I know is not good for me.
Surely if I can spend so much time on my phone I can dedicate some time to my meditation practice?
So I have decided that for the next 365 days, I will commit to daily meditation! Ideally the twice a day recommended (but getting to daily would be great!) I will document my journey (mainly via Instagram if you want to follow along).
As I embark on this I thought I would share a few of my own self care lessons:
Your own Individual Path: What works for one person might not work for another. The journey to finding the right self-care practice is personal and unique. It's about honouring your needs and finding what resonates with you.
Consistency Matters: Self-care isn't a sporadic activity; it's a commitment to your well-being. It is a ongoing practice.
Evolution of Self-Care: As you change, so do your self care needs. Embrace this change and adjust your routines when you need to.
Ongoing Discovery: No matter where you are in your career or life, there's always room to learn about yourself. Self-care isn't just about relaxation; it's about understanding yourself better and adapting to new challenges.
The answer is not always self-care; There are times when you could practice all the self care but the reality is, the issue can not be resolved through selfcare (for example a toxic workplace or un-managable case loads). Self care can help you manage this but at the end of the day there is a bigger issue at play (now that is it’s own post in itself!)
For me, this 365 days of Vedic meditation project isn't just about a meditation technique. It's also about embracing self-care as a transformative practice. It's a reminder that we have a responsibility to ourselves, our loved ones and our clients to care for ourselves.
So, if you're feeling lost on your journey to well-being, remember this – there's no right or wrong way, only your way. And that self care in itself is also the process of self- reflection, discovery and awareness.