Today’s fast-paced life is accompanied by stress, the number one factor that creates emotional and physical imbalances and is scientifically proven to be linked to many diseases, including cancer. Our changing lifestyle has caused many of us to lose one thing: our connection to the natural rhythm of life and nature, the one animals and plants still live by. For many of us, this connection has been replaced by one to screens, social media, and medication.
As practicing Reiki therapist, I witness the stress and disconnectedness of many of my clients and it continues to puzzle me how many of us allow ourselves to become so disconnected from our natural selves. We have the capacity to think, then why don’t we take responsibility towards ourselves, and create the time and space needed to experience well-being and balance? This is no selfish act but one of primary importance! For ourselves, but also for the people we care about – how can we truly be there for them if we’re not well and distracted by our stressors or incapacitated by illness?
Not long ago, a client and I, after his session, were discussing ways in which he might slow down the pace of his daily life to reduce stress. Sure enough, he gave me the almost standard speech about how his work, his kids, the economic situation of the country, the pollution, and the myriad of other issues we face in Lebanon make it impossible. At a certain point, a question popped into my mind: “Are you done with your nonsense?” You see, these are just excuses that many of us use these days to explain why we prioritize anything but ourselves. Excuses we sometimes actually believe.
I am not saying that there are no challenges in life, no responsibilities, no commitments, no major national and regional issues. What I am saying is that the healthiest way to pass through these experiences is by being balanced, calm, focused, and in harmony with that natural rhythm of life and nature. And yes, we can work to achieve this, by placing ourselves on top of our to do lists, rather than at the bottom of it, or below other tasks such as driving the kids, grocery shopping, dinner with friends, etc.
We think it demands a lot of effort “I won’t be able to achieve it.”, “But I don’t have a break at work.”, “I don’t have money.” These are simply more excuses! It truly is a matter of prioritizing yourself.
Go out one evening less and use the money saved on an experience that benefits your well-being. One of my clients made a decision to do this each week and spends the money she saves on food and drinks on her Reiki treatments, massages, and acupuncture treatments instead.
If you don’t have a lunch break at work then use your bathroom break to sit quietly, relaxed, with closed eyes while breathing naturally for five minutes, twice per day. This simple and free activity can be practiced in any quiet spot and will help you to release stress and gain focus. In a similar manner, mentally scan your body and simply observe how it feels.
Reconnecting with nature does not have a price tag! Sit in a spot near the sea and watch the waves and birds, smell the sea and feel the breeze. Just observe. During these moments of mindfulness amazing things can happen: creative ideas may sprout, tension might be released, or peace of mind gained.
Or visit the mountains and hug a tree for five minutes (don’t’ laugh! – the Japanese have scientifically proven that tree hugging is incredibly beneficial to our state of health).
Or simply go for a walk!
These are just a few examples of actions we can all easily take to reconnect to ourselves. Try them! Then explore more. Ask friends, healthcare providers, and look for articles and books on topics related to self-care, living in the moment, or creating a healthier version of yourself. And with the internet, no excuses anymore, just please limit your time online.
I encourage you to, as of today, regularly ask yourself “Am I done making excuses?” and focus on the next small step you can take on your path to wellness. I invite you to place yourself at the very top of your to do list, it is the only way to achieve the big results that these small steps will lead to.
Are you already prioritizing yourself? What practical and beneficial ways are you using? Please share them with us all in the comment section below.
