In front of me as I type is the large sticky note pictured above with the call to action to align with being in receiving mode.“I Receive!” reminds me that the medicine I need most often and right now is to surrender, drop the mantle of trying to secure my safety/well-being and that of others, trust how I’ve been investing in myself, and let the fruits of my labor come to me.
The fruits of our labor always come to us; some are more welcome than others. That is why, energy management is the real self-care!!!
If your pattern for going out of balance is by over-giving, over-doing, and over-thinking… * your energy predominantly is being directed either “up and out” or “swirling” in the head. Then, the medicine is… * you pivoting towards more choices that place you in receiving mode (i.e. “fill your cup” mode) with its energy of “down and in” + “down and out.”
Giving, doing, and thinking are not the problem! They only become depleting when in excess for a prolonged period of time causing your immunity to take a hit and your nervous system to struggle to pulse between “gotta make things happen” and “all is well.”
What does this receiving mode feel like? Utterly SATISFYING!
Satisfaction may not sound “sexy” or appear on the headline of a magazine cover. It’s not a result of everything being “perfect” or life being “under control.”
Feeling truly satisfied is the fruit of knowing what fills your cup in all the little-big ways and giving yourself that medicine more often than not!
Your nervous system gets the signal that you are safe, you are well made, and it’s good to be you.
When done consistently, it’s the balm for that turns the mundane into the sacred. It’s as if a portal opens up within you to see what’s been there all along holding you.
It’s also what makes the giving, doing, and thinking easier, requiring less energy and time.
Which form of energy medicine calls to you most as you read this? What do you need to receive? 1. "up and out” in the form of socializing, planning festivities, etc. 2. “down and in” + “down and out” in the form of rest, slowing down like Mama Nature who’s preparing for the upcoming season of hibernation
There’s no right or wrong. One isn’t good and the other bad.
What will lead you to feeling more satisfied?
For those periods when you need more of “down and in” + “down and out,” I’ve outlined two easy to implement practices that you can do anywhere, including while traveling. In awe and love of all that is satisfying, Tara
The Power of You to You: Self-Soothing Practices
1. Oil up those feet! Supplies (select one):
unrefined, untoasted organic sesame oil
organic almond oil
unrefined organic coconut oil (only if you’re in a warm climate)
Before bed, create a home ritual of soothing self-touch. Light a candle or burn incense. Allow your presence to deepen out of the stories, lists, tape player on autorepeat in your mind with every intentional touch of you to you. Slowly rub your feet with oil, especially the bottom. Rub them like you would that have a child or baby with such tenderness, delight in this powerful, amazing body that the soul inhabits. Whisper sweet nothings to your body in thanksgiving for yet another day of you being alive! When you’ve filled your cup, place socks on your feet so that you don’t get oil on your sheets. Offer prayers for yourself, loved ones, and the world, especially those suffering. Stay in the spacious silence. No need to rush anywhere. Observe the quality of your energy without judgment. Observe what surfaces and wants your attention, validation, care, compassion. No need to problem solve. It all can wait. When you’re ready, bow to your heart and go crawl into bed. Give yourself this gift regularly. Notice how much easier it becomes to transition out of the day and into the night, to fall asleep and stay asleep, to feel a connection between your faith, body, and heart.
Bonus: You’ll increase your immunity by reducing stress that has accumulated in the connective tissue of your feet. Also, one of the Sanskrit words for oil means love. You cover the feet in oil. You cover yourself in love. Yes!
2. Attention off the cosmic drama unfolding for a few minutes! Put your hands on your body and call your energy back to you, literally. Keep calling it back until it feels like it has returned. You may wish to add the following: “I am here and I can stay.” “I am here and I am enough.” “I am here and I am safe.” “I am here and I am loved.” “I am here and I know who I truly am.” You can remain here, thanking your body and energy, and breathing in and out for as long as you like. If tears come, welcome them. Whatever arises, welcome it.
Bonus: You open the gateway to satisfaction by affirming that you are soul in a body AND you got your own back! You set a tone for others to treat as you deserve to be treated.
