Anam Nostos House Blog
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 One toxic trait I think we’ve all experienced at one point or another…self-love and self-care acceptance can be so difficult in a world that is constantly challenging our worth.
How can you walk today with a little more gentleness for YOU?
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 "Enlightenment is when a wave realizes it's an ocean." -Thich Nhat Hanh Read that back to yourself a few times, then pause. We use enlighten as a verb meaning to clear up, to remove confusion. Light is also a powerful metaphor for spiritual insight. If you have a great revelation about the divinity of the world, you could say you have been enlightened. How does this idea fit into your life today? Where could you challenge yourself? Check out more 3 Minute Retreats here!  This is one you have to read more than once… It has so much meaning and depth, but the bottom line is that we all are walking a journey through life. It is difficult. It is challenging. But it also is full of lessons waiting to be learned. You can choose to ignore those lessons and your life is going to be more difficult for a while. Or you can choose to heal and in that process of healing, growing, learning other people see that journey you’re walking and take something from it when you’re not even realizing it. I have always said that I practice what I preach. I do my best to be true to that statement in my work, my retreats, my talks, everything I do. It’s not about perfection… It’s not about an end result. It’s always about the journey!
 I have been reflecting on this topic for quite some time. There are so many ways that I could write about what it means to embrace self-care. I could easily judge a half a dozen different ‘fads’ that are going around and give my un solicited opinion. Or, I could do the single most healthy thing and stay in my own journey as it be. I can only ever speak on the path which I have walked, for that is the one that I have learned from the most. Each person will define the act of self-care in different ways that mirror their journey. And that is ok. I have found it is quite important not to judge where another person is at on their journey, as it is not ours to own. This didn’t come easy or right away, but after trial and error over decades of living. In fact, I have sincere gratitude for the learning I have done from watching other journeys; I have been able to incorporate ideas, risks and directions into my own steps. This, ultimately, has led to a better existence. Though, I accept that not all the things I will try to incorporate will ultimately benefit me or my specific path, but there is learning in the attempt that allows for wisdom to follow, as I take the next step.
Our only job on our personal journey is to live it as we see fit knowing our inner core. It is our mission to risk, to grow and to live as we learn and journey down our own path towards living a full and rich life that is intended for us. We may reach paths that others do at one point or another, but we will dance through what is meant for our personality and existence. As a single mom, this has solely meant putting ‘me’ back into the equation. While that may sound simple, I assure you it is not. It is human nature to put anyone in our lives before ourselves. Then, we are surprised when we take a moment to breathe and ask, ‘what about me?’ Sometimes, by that point, it is almost too late to find our way as the bitterness can take hold. This is a personal challenge. So, I am calling out for you to ‘put yourself back into the equation!’ What does this look like? How will you define self-care? It could be as easy as taking yourself out for a cup of coffee. I know that I feel better when I am moving my body. I am not a hardcore health nut, but I like my morning power walks as the sun rises to bring me some balance in mind, body and spirit. How often do you stop and listen to your body? Are you giving it foods that provide energy, nourishment and overall health? Everything in moderation has always been my motto. When we lean to one extreme or the other, it isn’t going to provide us with overall balance and wellness. While difficult, we must take the challenge to step back, and be aware. Are you following your passions? And, no, it doesn’t mean to go leave your responsibilities and travel the world. But, can you take this to a smaller level and find something that would equally sustain your soul? I like to call them ‘monastery days.’ I let my family know that I am unavailable for a twenty-four-hour period and I go commune with myself. It could mean writing, nature hikes, café sitting, or reading. It doesn’t have to be extreme to rejuvenate my tired body. And, I know myself well having lived this long on earth, that I find it is important to filter in the occasional trip that feeds my old travel soul. This enough allows me to no longer just feel like ‘the mom who everyone needs something from,’ and in its essence brings me back to my roots where it all began. When I take these moments and days to consider my own well-being, I am not only doing what’s best for my health, spirit and soul; but I am being my best self for those around me in my life. So, just for today, I challenge you to put yourself back into the equation. When you discover what that is for you, let us know! Inspire others for the journey! Be well.  Just a reminder that the story begins and ends with you first.
Your voice is the loudest on your journey. There’s an idea behind everything, a preconceived story but the bottom line really begins and ends with you.  Blessed be the longing that brought you here
And quickens your soul with wonder. May you have the courage to listen to the voice of desire that disturbs you when you have settled for something safe. May you have the wisdom to enter generously into your own unease to discover the new direction your longing wants you to take. May the forms of your belonging -- in love, creativity and friendship --be equal to the grandeur and the call of your soul. -JOHN O'DONOHUE Have you ever stopped to wonder what brought you here? Consider for a moment the wonder that enlightens your soul in the steps you are walking when you take the time to look around you and see it. We don't always want to embrace the responsibility of opening our eyes, for the path may seem scary or uncertain. When we go within to truly answer this question with a sense of honesty, longing comes to light. What is your yearning desire? Are you living it fully? Check out more 3 Minute Retreats here!  Every day all day as long as you need to hear it before you believe it… Repeat after me ‘I AM VALUABLE’
 This is one thing I love the most about the journey…
We grow up thinking that there’s a timeframe of when we are supposed to do this or that. Then we evolve into the person we are meant to become and realize that we are always becoming. We are always learning. We are always growing. And we are always journeying. What risks do you need to take that you’ve been holding back on?  What does SOUL WORK look like for you?
Honestly this is the hard look into oneself and the deep thoughts, the processing, the courage to walk into ourselves to live a fuller journey… essentially what my retreats are about. I can’t wait to constantly walk into the unknown with people. How are you doing your soul work today? It’s not reserved for a special weekend or a special day… It’s a constant journey.  "When practiced to its fullness, mindful eating turns a simple meal into a spiritual experience giving us deep appreciation of all that went into a meal's creation as well as a deep understanding of the relationship between food on our table, our own health and our planet's health." -Thich Nhat Hanh
What do your meal patterns look like? Are you rushed or aware of the act of nourishment? Have you practiced mindful eating? This is one of the trademarks on our retreats. It brings you back to the core of your body awareness. It reminds us how to listen to our hunger cues. It brings us into a deeper gratitude for the full complexity of what food is to us. Take a moment and pause today. Put your fork down after each bite. Notice flavors. Feel your fullness. Become mindful.... Check out more 3 Minute Retreats here!  I find this is a constant journey…
I’m constantly asking myself who is in my circle today. Are these people lifting me up or is it time to walk away? It doesn’t mean that those people weren’t good for me, and it doesn’t mean that they didn’t offer me something on my prior journey. Just means that our journeys grow and change over time. So, you have to constantly ask yourself, ' who do I want in my circle?'  How do you live resilience in your life?
It is so easy to get stuck in old patterns and beliefs. I know. But if we stay there, we will never discover the light on the other side of all that we can be in a different tomorrow.  Today is Monday.
It is not a day filled with magic. It is not a day that defines you. It is not a day that will decide your future. It is not a day that will take away all your past hurts. It is not a day that will determine what your following year will look like. Today is Monday. When you put unrealistic expectations on ANYTHING, you are bound to fail. When you give something or someone else your power, you lose your true self. If you allow your voice to be silenced by negativity based on society’s unrealistic views of a particular day, you are making a choice to be in the exact place you are standing. Today is Monday. Today, you can choose to wake up and remember you are loved. Today, you can start your day with a walk in nature or with a good cup of coffee. Today, you can go about your day as if it is any other day, and the outcome will only benefit you. Today is Monday. So, just for today, live. Live with intention. Live with passion. Live with faith. Live with hope. Live with kindness. Live with love. And, remember, today is just another Monday, not different from last Monday.  Read that again.
And again. Again. I’m as guilty as the next person questioning if I deserve this or that at times. But I know one thing is certain and true… Whenever I truly believe in myself and in what I want, it comes to me. Worth. Deserve. These are big, loaded words that we all fight on a daily basis no doubt. What if we put more energy into embracing the good, the light and the amazing uncertainty that we are before our doubt? Try it and go soar! I believe in you! |
Follow USAuthorAndrea creates, builds, and offers her teachings and hands on life tools based on her journey healing her body image after a 14yr battle and life of trauma. Her vision always is to help others live a full life with the journey they are given. 
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