So, what happens with you’ve been doing all the self-care, and it ISN’T working? Check out ‘Part 1: Self-Care: The Dirty Word’ for more on the inner conflict many of us experience regarding self-care, the ugly truths, and how to re-frame and reclaim it!
Self-care doesn’t work when:
1. You have unhealed emotions, past experiences, and/or traumas.
2. You’re regularly exposed to an abusive or toxic environment.
3. You are chronically denying yourself rest, pleasure, joy, connection, or personal truths.
4. Who you were or what you used to do no longer serves you. Or, you are experiencing a state of expansion.
It might sound like:
- “I used to have a daily yoga practice. Now that I have a full-time job and kids, I can barely fit in 5 minutes of self-care a day.”
- “I feel like I’m pulled in so many directions that I don’t even know what self-care is anymore. I don’t know where to devote time and energy.”
- “I’ve been actively engaging in self-care, and it still isn’t helping this issue I’m experiencing.”
- “I’ve tried everything and I’m starting to wonder if something is wrong with me.”
- “Self-care feels like a band aid for the bigger things happening in our world.”
Sound familiar?
Sometimes deeper work is necessary to launch you into your next growth phase. While self-care maintains, growth may require more from you. If any of these resonate with you, reach out. Let’s chat.
In the meantime, let’s look closer at some uncomfortable realities:
For a moment, let’s get real. Self-care may also not “work” because you
1) may have expectations that it will alleviate all discomfort and pain,
2) are in an environment (i.e. work, home, community) that is toxic and destructive to wellbeing, but won’t acknowledge it,
3) are engaging with people who thwart our wellbeing practices,
4) may be choosing temporary comfort over long-term progress, and/or
5) are “going through the motions” in automatic, zombie-like states of consciousness.
If you identify with any of these, it’s ok. Nothing is “wrong” with you. It’s an important awareness to have and then ask yourself a) what do I want to do with this information? and b) can I accept this about myself? There’s no right or wrong answer.
I have dedicated my life to deeply understanding healing, growth, and transformation. I’ve taken so many trainings, received certifications, read numerous articles and books, listened to countless podcasts, participated in retreats, taught workshops, learned about blending eastern and western beliefs and practices. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s this: there are necessary active ingredients for healing, growth, and transformation AND everyone’s “recipe” is different.
If you’re interested in taking your process to the next level, email me. bethany@lightingthepath.com
Lighting the Path 
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