Self-care is something we all know about but don’t necessarily take the time to do. Wether it is relaxing with a favourite book ( non work related), taking time to prepare a nutritious meal, getting some fresh air out in nature or taking some creative “me” time.  As much as I know self-care is important it doesn’t happen unless I make it happen, yes it actually takes an effort to care for Self. Wouldn’t it be nice if it just happened naturally all the time? For some it does, like when it has become a part of your natural routine, but most of us don’t take the time for self regularly enough. I’m not talking watching T.V while it may be entertaining and even distraction from your worries, it adds nothing to your well-being at least not in the same way that healthy practices do. T.V is passive, true self-care is an active state. Meditation, moving your body, creating something new, mindfulness practices, are all active acts of Self care.

Even when I was off work for the month of August and have time to myself I found myself getting pulled in different directions to do other than take time for myself. There is something about the culture that we live in which praises work but not true Self care. There’s the movies, spas, special events that are proclaimed to be the way to self-care. But what about the deeper Self care that we all need?  The one that goes beyond the surface and honours our true Self. The one that is anchored in knowing Self, exploring and the expressing Self?

This is where creativity comes in: when we create something from our true sense of being, our imagination and inner depths, we begin to connect with what it is that we need to be fulfilled. But in order to do this we need to take the time to create and to reflect before we run off to something new. In art journaling this is what we do. We let the images speak to us and guide us and see where they take us; like intuitive painting but on a smaller visual scale. Art journaling allows us to work in small chunks integrating what we discover at our own pace. We can make quick expressions of self or keep going back to the same entry and adding layers of meaning. We can open up dialogues with the images to reveal messages from our inner wisdom, and we can take these images and messages in at our own pace.  We can go back to past imagery and finding new meaning, new understanding each time we open the art journal or look back on past creations. Responding with writing or more images can help this process unfold.  Bearing witness to the beauty that exists inside, even when in turmoil is an essential part of coming to terms with and letting go of old baggage we may be holding on to.

There is beauty in the struggle this too is part of the journey. Self-care includes recognizing that we all struggle and need to pay head to the effects that the daily stress has on us over time. That doesn’t mean we wait until we are feeling so stressed we feel the need for a break. Rather, self-care needs to be an ongoing practice in order for it to be most effective. That is why one of a number one self-care practices is indulging m creativity. Though if we were truly paying attention to the power of art making to heal we’d no longer see it as an indulgence. So let’s change that language shall we? Art making with your creative juices is a necessity for authentic living.  It is part of who we are as humans and as such without it we begin to feel the burden of stress.

My garden and my art journal and my adventures in nature have been the backbone of my self are, each taking care of body, mind and spirit every year I take August off to be with family and my creative self. Often I have high hopes of getting things done as if this is the end all and be all of existence to “get things done”.  At those times I stop, breathe, and release so that I may remind myself that I am actually doing a lot for my Self by taking time, day by day, moment by moment.  Replenishing your creative energy is essential for healing and growth. One way I trick my critical mind into going along with this is to emphasize how much more productive I’ll be if I take some time for myself. I like to replenish my creative stores through relaxation and mindfulness, being out in nature and marvelling at the beauty surrounding me.   How do you replenish and nourish Self?

Not sure about using art for self-care?  Join me for some art journaling self-care on: