17. Biblical Self-Care
Let's delve into the concept of Self-Care, particularly from a Biblical perspective.
Biblical self-care is not just about nurturing oneself; it's a profound act of worship. However, it's crucial to note that it doesn't mean adhering to rigid standards or succumbing to performance pressures. Such rigidity often leads to burnout rather than spiritual growth.
Have you ever pondered whether self-care aligns with Biblical principles? Perhaps you've even wrestled with the notion, wondering if it's indulgent or self-centered. Contrary to such misconceptions, self-care is deeply rooted in honoring the divine within us – caring for the sacred vessel entrusted to us by the Most High.
Establishing a routine of spending time in communion with God is foundational to Biblical self-care. It's an investment in the spiritual temple we embody, recognizing that we are vessels of the living God. Our inner healing emanates from our connection with the Divine.
When we prioritize self-care, we engage in an act of worship. It's a time devoted to honoring God and acknowledging His presence within us. By tending to our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, we honor the sanctity of the life He has given us. In doing so, we fulfill our dual role as both the temple and its keeper, recognizing that our bodies are not our own but temples of the Holy Spirit.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Let's clarify what self-care truly entails. Self-care isn't synonymous with indulgence, like pampering oneself with nail or hair treatments, or indulging in a spa day. Nor is it about escaping reality through distractions like binge-watching TV or mindlessly scrolling through your phone.
Instead, genuine self-care is about nurturing your soul and replenishing your energy in ways that truly nourish you. It's about asking yourself, "Is this activity rejuvenating my spirit? Will it enable me to return to my loved ones feeling refreshed and present?" If the answer is no, then it's not genuine self-care.
In 1 Kings 19, we witness Elijah experiencing burnout, grappling with exhaustion and emotional turmoil. In this pivotal moment, an angelic intervention occurs, offering Elijah the simple yet profound prescription: rest, nourishment, and hydration. This narrative highlights the essential interconnectedness of caring for both our physical and emotional well-being. It underscores the truth that our spiritual vitality is intimately linked to our physical health.
Just as the Trinity embodies unity within diversity, so too are our bodies intricately connected with our spiritual and emotional selves. Consider the analogy: Jesus represents the physical body, the tangible vessel through which we experience the world. The Father encompasses the realm of the mind, will, and emotions, guiding our thoughts and intentions. And the Holy Spirit facilitates our communion with God, nurturing our spiritual connection and guiding us on our journey.
Understanding this holistic unity, we recognize that what we do impacts every facet of our being. Just as neglecting our physical health can hinder our spiritual growth, neglecting our emotional well-being can disrupt our communion with God. Therefore, caring for ourselves involves tending to the entirety of our being—body, mind, and spirit—recognizing that they are all integral parts of the divine creation within us.
So, how do we plan our self-care? What can we do?
Take proactive steps by crafting a personalized self-care plan. By taking initiative, you can effectively mitigate the risk of burnout. By incorporating self-care practices into your routine ahead of time, you can sustain a sense of well-being and equilibrium.
Keep in mind that self-care is not just a routine—it's a form of worship. As guardians and role models for our children, it's crucial to exemplify these healthy habits, as they are likely to emulate what they observe. Flexibility is key; be open to adjusting your self-care strategies as life's seasons change. Regularly reassess your approach, aligning it with guiding principles to ensure its effectiveness and relevance to your evolving needs.
Self-Care Plans
Emergency Plan
In moments of cognitive fog or panic, it's crucial to turn to small, achievable steps to regain clarity and calm:
Pray & Worship
Brew a Cup of Tea
Prayer Shower
Reach Out to a Safe Friend
Use Essential Oils
Lymphatic Massage
Nourish Yourself
Spend Time in Nature
By focusing on these manageable actions, you can effectively navigate moments of distress and cultivate a sense of peace and stability.
Daily Diversions
Prioritize a brief moment each day for relaxation and soul-nourishment. Carve out as little as 30 minutes for activities that bring joy and peace to your soul, making it a daily ritual.
Consider incorporating daily moments of spending time with the Lord into your routine. Whether it's through prayer, meditation, reading spiritual texts, or simply being present in His presence, these moments can rejuvenate your spirit and provide clarity amidst life's busyness.
By intentionally setting aside time for these diversions, you honor yourself and cultivate a sense of balance and well-being in your daily life. Remember, it's the small, consistent acts of self-care that can make a profound difference in your overall happiness and fulfillment.
Weekly Sabbath
A sacred day dedicated to rest and rejuvenation, deeply rooted in Biblical tradition. As mandated in the Scriptures, the Sabbath is a day of ceasing work, allowing for reflection, worship, and renewal.
Following this ancient practice, set aside one day each week to step away from the demands of work and worldly concerns. Use this time to reconnect with your spiritual self, your loved ones, and the divine. Engage in activities that bring you joy and nourish your soul, whether it's spending time in nature, reading sacred texts, or enjoying meaningful conversations with family and friends.
By honoring the Weekly Sabbath, you align yourself with a timeless tradition that promotes holistic well-being and spiritual fulfillment. Embrace this sacred day as a gift from the Divine—a sanctuary of rest and restoration amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Quarterly Retreat
An opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in a deeper journey of self-discovery and spiritual renewal. This retreat, lasting a full day or even overnight, offers a precious chance to unplug from technology, detach from worldly distractions, and reconnect with your inner self and your relationship with your Creator.
Leave behind the noise of everyday responsibilities and commitments as you embark on this intentional journey of introspection and growth. Find a serene retreat location, whether it's a secluded cabin in the woods or a tranquil beachside retreat. Embrace the solitude and silence as you allow yourself to truly disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself in the present moment.
During your Quarterly Retreat, engage in practices that nourish your soul and deepen your spiritual connection. This could include silent meditation, prayer, journaling, mindfulness exercises, or simply spending time in nature. Use this sacred time to reflect on your life's purpose, goals, and values, and to discern the guidance of the divine in your journey.
As you return from your retreat, carry with you the insights and wisdom gained from this sacred time of reflection. Let the experience of unplugging and retreating on a quarterly basis become a cornerstone of your self-care routine, providing you with the clarity, strength, and renewal needed to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience.
Annual Vacate
An opportunity to lift out of your usual surroundings and embark on a journey elsewhere. This is your chance to break away from the familiar, to leave behind the routine and monotony of daily life, and to explore new horizons.
Whether it's a weekend getaway to a nearby town, a road trip to a scenic destination, or an international adventure to a far-off land, the Annual Vacate is your invitation to expand your boundaries and enrich your experiences. Shake off the constraints of your usual environment and embrace the freedom of exploration.
As you venture into new landscapes and cultures, allow yourself to be open to the unexpected and the unknown. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of unfamiliar places. Engage with local communities, try new activities, and savor the thrill of discovery.
Use this time away to recharge your batteries, rejuvenate your spirit, and gain fresh perspectives on life. Whether you're traveling solo, with loved ones, or with fellow adventurers, let the Annual Vacate be a source of joy, inspiration, and growth. Embrace the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and create memories that will last a lifetime.
You cannot sustain a high-intensity lifestyle without incorporating these essential practices and principles into your routine. It's crucial to prioritize your self-care by scheduling these activities on your calendar and planning them out in advance. Take ownership of your well-being by committing to these practices with intentionality and dedication.
Set aside dedicated time slots for daily diversions, weekly Sabbath observance, quarterly retreats, and annual vacations. Treat these appointments with the same level of importance as you would any other commitment in your schedule. Remember that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining your physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
By proactively planning and scheduling these self-care practices, you take responsibility for nurturing yourself and preventing burnout. Make a conscious effort to align your mind and will with the intention of prioritizing your well-being. Through consistent and intentional self-care, you can cultivate resilience, balance, and vitality in your life.
Indeed, even Jesus recognized the importance of slipping away into the wilderness to pray and worship. Despite His demanding ministry and constant interactions with crowds, Jesus prioritized moments of solitude and communion with our Father.
In the Gospels, we find numerous instances where Jesus withdrew to secluded places to pray, seeking guidance, strength, and spiritual renewal. These moments of retreat into the wilderness allowed Him to reconnect with His Father, to discern His purpose, and to find solace in times of trial.
By following Jesus' example, we acknowledge the necessity of carving out sacred spaces for prayer, reflection, and worship in our own lives. Just as Jesus found sustenance and clarity in the wilderness, so too can we find spiritual nourishment and rejuvenation by retreating into moments of solitude and communion with our Creator.
“In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.”
“But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. ”
“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”
“Jesus also asks, “Are you weary? Do you have heavy burdens? Come to me.”
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Entrusting our lives to God brings about a profound refreshment and restoration. He becomes our refuge, our oasis, and our ultimate place of rest. Surrendering our burdens to Him allows us to find solace and peace in His presence.
In connecting our lives with God, we address not only our spiritual needs but also our most fundamental physiological needs. By seeking refuge in Him, we nourish our souls and replenish our spirits. This act of entrusting ourselves to God is indeed the essence of self-care, as it addresses our deepest longings and provides the sustenance we need to thrive.
Let us lay down our burdens and find refuge in His embrace. In doing so, we discover the true essence of self-care—finding rest and restoration in the loving arms of our Creator.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs provides a framework for understanding human motivation and well-being. It consists of five levels, often depicted as a pyramid, with each level representing a different category of needs.
The levels, from bottom to top, are:
Physiological Needs: These are the most basic needs for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and sleep.
Safety Needs: Once physiological needs are met, individuals seek safety and security, including physical safety, financial stability, health, and protection from harm.
Love and Belongingness Needs: With safety secured, people crave social connections, love, and a sense of belonging with family, friends, and community.
Esteem Needs: Once social needs are fulfilled, individuals strive for self-esteem, recognition, respect, and achievement.
Self-Actualization Needs: At the pinnacle of the hierarchy is self-actualization, where individuals seek personal growth, fulfillment of potential, creativity, and a sense of purpose.
To climb the pyramid and reach the top level of self-actualization, individuals must first satisfy the needs at the lower levels. In other words, you cannot achieve self-actualization if your physiological, safety, love/belonging, or esteem needs are unmet. Each level serves as a foundation for the next, and progression occurs as lower-level needs are adequately fulfilled.
Therefore, to meet these needs and climb the pyramid, you must address each level systematically, ensuring that basic needs are satisfied before progressing to higher levels of fulfillment and self-actualization.
Self-care involves acknowledging when the enemy is assailing your mind. While it's essential to honor your feelings and emotions, it's equally crucial not to succumb to the lies perpetuated by the adversary, whose aim is destruction. Take stock of your emotions as a self-warning, a guiding compass. Resist the temptation to embrace falsehoods such as Imposter Syndrome or self-doubt by asking yourself, "Does this align with God's truth?"
Furthermore, self-care entails recognizing the negative self-talk that pervades your inner dialogue. Your mind can resemble an untamed puppy, requiring training and discipline. When you catch yourself engaging in self-deprecating or critical thoughts, challenge them assertively: "That is utterly unacceptable! You wouldn't speak to anyone else in this manner!"
By actively countering negative thoughts and aligning your inner dialogue with God's affirmations, you cultivate a mindset grounded in self-compassion and truth, fostering greater emotional well-being and resilience.
Seven Principles of Self-Care
From An Invitation to Self-Care by Tracey Cleantis
The Seven Principles of Self-Care serve as guiding pillars for nurturing holistic well-being and fostering a sustainable lifestyle. These principles emphasize the importance of cultivating practices that promote balance, resilience, and nourishment of the mind, body, and spirit.
Self-Care is a daily, lifelong practice. Core/Foundation.
Develop a heightened awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or body scans to anchor yourself in the present moment and cultivate inner peace. "Have I prioritized self-care as a cornerstone of my well-being?"
Consider the basics: Have you slept well? Have you tidied your surroundings? Have you taken time for personal hygiene, alone and uninterrupted? Remember to allow yourself moments of solitude. Have you taken deep breaths to center yourself? Nourished your body with food? Engaged with spiritual nourishment by reading your Bible and worshiping? Have you grounded yourself in the present moment?
These fundamental aspects of self-care are often the first to be neglected amid life's demands. It's essential to recognize their significance and prioritize them daily to maintain your overall well-being.
Indulgent self-care, such as a luxurious spa day, can sometimes serve as a form of escapism. However, if it becomes your sole method of self-care, especially in the absence of fundamental practices, it may not provide lasting fulfillment. It's akin to pouring water into a leaky bucket—it will drain away rapidly.
Instead, prioritize daily practices that sustain and replenish you consistently. By focusing on maintaining a full "bucket" of self-care on a daily basis, you ensure that your well-being is nurtured continuously, rather than relying solely on occasional indulgences.
Self-care is a form of self-love that enables you to love others.
The words of Jesus in Matthew 22:37-39 encapsulate a profound truth: loving others as we love ourselves is inseparable from loving God with our entire being. It's akin to the instruction given on airplanes: secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others.
Consider this: if we neglect self-love and self-care, our ability to extend genuine love and care to others diminishes. Therefore, it's vital to regularly ask ourselves: "Is this activity an expression of love, both for myself and for others? Is it contributing positively to my well-being and the well-being of those around me?"
By nurturing a healthy relationship with ourselves—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—we become better equipped to offer authentic love, compassion, and support to others. In essence, self-love becomes the foundation upon which we build our capacity to love and serve others effectively.
Self-Care is taking personal responsibility.
Ask yourself: "Am I actively taking responsibility for my day-to-day life and the choices I make to address my present needs? Or am I inadvertently escaping, ignoring, or denying those needs altogether?"
It's all too common for us to deny or overlook our own needs, yet acknowledging and addressing them is vital for our well-being.
Self-Care is noticing what matters to you.
Ask yourself: "Does this action reflect what truly matters to me in this moment?"
Recognize that life unfolds in seasons, and sometimes, taking a break is necessary for growth and renewal. Consider what holds significance in this particular season of your life. Where does your energy need to be directed? Is it towards nurturing your relationships with your children, spouse, or family members?
Journaling Prompt: Reflect on what matters most to you at this present moment. Consider your priorities, values, and aspirations, and articulate them in writing. This exercise can help clarify your focus and guide your actions towards what truly matters in this season of your life.
Self-Care requires attention and responsiveness.
Ask yourself: "Am I actively tending to my current needs, and am I open to modifying my approach as circumstances change?"
Acknowledge that life is fluid, and your needs may evolve with changing circumstances. Embrace curiosity about what you genuinely require in this moment and this season of your life. Stay attuned to your inner voice and be willing to adjust your actions and priorities accordingly to ensure your well-being and growth.
Self-Care must be realistic to be effective.
Ask yourself: "Does this align with reality? Is it sustainable? Am I genuinely willing and able to commit to this?"
Consider your current circumstances and acknowledge your season in life. Reflect on what truly matters to you and what is feasible given your reality. What habits or routines are realistically sustainable? What can you be consistent with?
It's important to recognize that if your routine or self-care practices are not realistic, they can become burdensome and create stress rather than providing nourishment. Self-care should not add to your anxiety; it should be a source of rejuvenation.
Evaluate your willingness and commitment to the practices you're considering. Ensure that your heart, mind, and will are aligned and set on implementing them. Without genuine dedication, it's unlikely that you'll be able to sustain these practices effectively.
Self-Care brings you closer to the fulfillment of God’s plan and purpose for your life.
This foundation sets the stage for aligning with the goals, plans, and purposes that God has ordained for your life. It's essential to consider whether these practices resonate with your life verse, mission statement, or overarching purpose.
Reflect on whether these self-care principles and practices support and enhance your mission or purpose in life. Do they align with the values and priorities that you hold dear? Are they consistent with the vision that God has placed in your heart?
By ensuring that your self-care routine is in harmony with your life verse, mission statement, or purpose, you create a powerful synergy between nurturing yourself and fulfilling God's calling for your life. This alignment empowers you to walk confidently in the path that God has set before you, equipped with the strength and resilience derived from caring for yourself holistically.
By embracing these Seven Principles of Self-Care, you can create a foundation for holistic well-being and resilience that supports you in living a fulfilling and purposeful life. Remember to differentiate between activities that provide genuine benefits for your well-being and those that are merely indulgent or superficial. Strive for sustainable self-care practices that nurture your body, mind, and spirit on a daily basis, rather than relying solely on occasional luxuries like spa days.
In conclusion, remember to keep your self-care practices simple and sustainable. Allow flexibility for those inevitable days when things don't go as planned. Create space in your schedule to simply sit and be, connecting with nature and listening to the world around you.
Ultimately, the responsibility for your well-being lies with you. Resist the distractions and busyness that the enemy uses to derail you. Instead, prioritize quiet moments with God, trusting in His divine plan for your life.
You are exactly where you need to be in this moment, for a purpose known to God. Trust in His wisdom and guidance as you navigate your journey, knowing that He is always with you, guiding you along the path of purpose and fulfillment.
Resources:
Holy Wild Birth: True Self-Care
An Invitation to Self-Care: Why Learning to Nurture Yourself Is the Key to the Life You've Always Wanted, 7 Principles for Abundant Living by Tracey Cleantis
Stay Wild & Free,
-Brandy
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