DAY 2: Roots & Rhythms

There’s a rhythm to self-care.

This rhythm has a natural flow. It is not solely dictated by life circumstances and events. Generally, that’s how we see it. Our self-care moves to the rhythm of reactions to the tension of our ever-uncertain times. Whether we choose fun or solitude as a response, it is important to remember these reactions have a root.

From a clinical aspect, we might understand self-care involves taking care of yourself in ways that support your physical or mental health - things such as working out, eating well, having moments of silence, or getting an adequate night’s rest are reactions to some feeling or event that create a rhythm. These things are very necessary; they reinforce good habits of wellness and self-awareness.

However, they don’t directly address the affairs of your heart or get down to the root of what’s really satisfying you or not. A massage at the spa, a vacation getaway, a good book, a nice dinner – they all feel so good to do, but when we reduce our self-care to pleasurable escapes, we tend to treat these activities as diversions rather than truly caring for ourselves.

Another way of looking at the rhythm of self-care is acknowledging that we are a part of bigger communities where boundaries are required. A community is a group of people who share a common interest. Anytime you gather within a community, there’s potential for conflict that could trigger or expose your need for self-care. Life can be challenging, especially when encountering a taxing friendship, a troublesome co-worker, or a toxic family - all people with whom we find ourselves in community.

Well, because people can push your buttons, and we just are all made differently. People can make your life miserable if you allow them to. As if you don’t already have enough to maintain within your own mind and body, the additional stress of these “people” problems can almost be too much.

As a result, you begin to see the need to care for yourself in ways you never imagined, and that will require you to reject the notion that happiness, peace, or satisfaction is tied to pleasing others.

Though God wants you to practice healthy pleasure and places you in divine community, He does not want you naive to the importance of tapping in with yourself and seeking rest and relief in Him.

Our self-care has to be rooted in Him. This allows you not only to find moments of joy and reflection but also to know where to draw the line for healthy boundaries, whether those boundaries are for others or for yourself.

Answer these questions and reflect on your answers:

1. What is the root of your approach to self-care?
2. In what areas of your life do you need to set boundaries to prioritize self-care and align with God's will?
3. How can you discern between healthy self-care and selfishness while seeking God's guidance in setting priorities?

Affirm and declare these statements:

• I will set the necessary boundaries to ensure that my self-care is a priority.
• When I care for myself, I honor God’s design.
• I trust God's guidance in nurturing my physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Pray in petition to God to pursue His will and way.