Self-care, unmasked

It is not in spas or face masks alone,

That true self-care and nourishment are sown,

But in the delicate art of being kind,

To the soul dwelling within, longing to unwind.

It is the soft caress of forgiveness bestowed,

Upon the wounds within, a tender ode,

To the battle scars, the shadows that creep,

Where self-compassion takes root, runs deep.

It’s in the pauses, the breaths we inhale,

As we listen to the whispers of our own tale,

Embracing imperfections, the beauty they hold,

For self-care blooms when self-love is bold.

It’s in the embrace of solitude’s sweet song,

Where solitude and stillness help us belong,

To ourselves, our dreams, our quiet desires,

As we stoke the embers of our inner fires.

Self-care is found in the laughter we share,

In the joy that transcends, in moments rare,

In the arms of loved ones, the warmth of a hug,

In the healing power of a compassionate tug.

It’s in the gratitude we choose to embrace,

In counting blessings, in love’s gentle grace,

In the sacred act of honouring our worth,

For self-care is a celebration of self-birth.

Above is a poem I wrote about self-care for my poetry blog Ventimental. I was inspired to write this story after taking the Self Care course on World Pulse. Scroll through your Instagram feed, and you're likely to be bombarded with images of people sipping on detox teas, donning face masks, or practicing yoga on a beach at sunrise with the hashtag #selfcare. Don't get me wrong, these things can be wonderful, and if they help you unwind, go for it. But that's not the whole picture, and it's certainly not what self-care is about for me.

For me, self-care is about nourishing my soul, not just my skin. It's about finding peace and balance in a world that often feels like a comedy sketch gone awry. So, how do I take care of myself?

Long walks

One of my favourite self-care rituals is taking long walks in the park. No, I'm not jogging like I'm being chased by bees – I'm strolling, taking in the sights, sounds, and fresh air. There's something profoundly therapeutic about the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other. It's a chance to clear my mind and connect with nature. As I walk, I observe the trees swaying in the breeze, listen to the chirping of birds, and watch the occasional squirrel doing its acrobatics. It's a reminder that life exists beyond the hustle and bustle of our daily routines. These walks are my way of hitting the reset button on my mind.

Spending time with animals

Pets are the unsung heroes of self-care. I've always had a soft spot for our furry and feathered friends. Whether it's playing fetch with my dog or simply sitting in the company of a cat, spending time with animals is like a warm hug for my soul. Their unconditional love and the way they live in the moment are powerful reminders for us humans. It's a chance to be present, forget about deadlines, and simply enjoy the joy of companionship. Animals have this knack for making you feel cherished, and that's self-care at its fuzziest.

Meditation is a daily aspect of my self-care “routine” if you'd like to call it that. Now, I'm no yogi but 20 minutes of simple Transcendental Meditation is a mental sanctuary. It's a moment of stillness. I find a quiet corner in my bedroom, close my eyes, and focus on my breath. It's a chance to let go of the mental clutter, and to find a sense of calm within. It's like hitting the pause button on life's chaotic sitcom.

The consumerist approach is empty

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room – the capitalist approach to self-care. While the self-care industry has exploded, it's crucial to recognise how it can put undue pressure on women, in particular. It often sends the message that to take care of yourself, you need to buy products, treatments, and experiences. This commodification of self-care not only strains our wallets but also adds to the stress and pressure we already face. It's like telling us that we're not doing self-care right if we're not constantly spending money on it. But guess what? True self-care doesn't come with a price tag. It's about the little moments of joy, the connections we make, and the peace we find within ourselves.

Self-care is deeply personal. What works for me might not work for you, and that's perfectly okay. It's about finding what nourishes your soul and makes you feel whole. So, the next time you see a #SelfCareSunday post on social media, remember that there's more to self-care than meets the eye, and it's not something you can buy – it's something you create within yourself.