Self-care

Did you also...? Learned about self care, or new ways for self care, only since you became a mother?

For me it happen like this. Before I was a mother I would regularly, and simply,

take. care. of myself. 

It was not a ritual, it was not even a routine, it was just... my "normal" me. 

Everyday I would take my time under a long shower; save some space for a daily gentle yoga stretch; choose to spend uplifting time out with friends; would regularly walk in nature, or just take the long way home enjoying the waterfront view and the taste of the salty air in my mouth... I would join yoga classes and group meditation sessions often to boost my personal practice; and I would feed my soul with good music concerts or just a good book by the pool. 

Before I became a mother I would journal by the moon... and I used to publish my writing; teach acting; perform on stage and... Just travel a lot. All my passions, would be part of each one of my days.

It all changed. 

Huge changes taught me how precious was this "normal me" time. How wise was my dedication to live for pleasure and to celebrate my passions. 

Huge changes brought huge teachings... 

Since I have become a mother I have learned how self care can happen out of the yoga mat; outside of the massage room; away from the ocean (or even away from a quick shower for a couple of days!)...

As mothers it is so important to realize how much self care is needed, yes (more than ever!), but it is crucial to accept it might have changed shape and form...

I do encourage you (and myself!) to take time to go for that massage, that swim at sunrise, that walk by the moonlight (if you can!) but also, to change your perspective... You see...

Since I become a mother I love myself more, and as I appreciate the sacredness of this new path, accepting it's challenges... I find myself stretching further, deeper... But a new kind of stretch, a stretch for the mind... To meet parts of my being I didn't know existed (or could be this flexible!).

Self-care is a choice, a focus, a mindful way of being.

And now, sometimes, self-care happens inside my head, while I nurse my baby, or carry him on my lap, and I close my eyes...

Breathing in

Deeply

The current blessings of my life.

Self care now happens when I choose to tune in inside of me. 

And I have been wondering: did it ever really happen elsewhere?

Enjoy, your #motherhoodAwakenings

#ommmmmmammaMotheringSeries

(This text was first written by #ommmmmmamma for #theGratefulGoddess / #sacredbeginnings)