<![CDATA[Perfect Soul Center for Education and Healing - SELF-CARE]]>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:28:47 +0800Weebly<![CDATA[Duty to Self]]>Fri, 13 Nov 2020 03:23:19 GMThttps://www.perfectsoulcenter.com/self-care/duty-to-selfDuty is something we frequently associate with responsibility to other people. When we perform our duties, the purpose is usually to benefit someone else or something outside of our personal concerns.
 
We are often too preoccupied with the various roles that we need to fulfill. At times, this leave us feeling exhausted.
 
We often forget that the most important duty we have is to our self.
 
When we take care of our self, we take care of our most important tool and resource -our body and mind. Only if the mind and body are in their best condition are we truly in a position to fulfill our purpose and seek our highest potential.
 
If we were to think of our self as a machine, a well-maintained machine is efficient, resilient and produces the best results. Whereas a machine that is neglected will generate unpredictable results. Also, the neglected machine’s life span may be shortened by accelerated wear and tear.
 
How do we fulfill our duty to the self? 

We can start by reviewing our daily routines and by considering the simplest aspects of our lives such as eating, rest, sleep, recreation, schedules, routines, and the quality of our thoughts.
 
We can ask ourselves if our management of these areas of our life help us achieve our highest potential. If not, then what are the things that we tend to neglect? What changes for the better can we make?

When we start asking these questions, then we are on the road to fulfilling our duty to self.
 
Without first carrying out our duty to self, every other duty we perform becomes less meaningful. 

 
#dharma
]]><![CDATA[How is your Mental Diet?]]>Tue, 06 Oct 2020 08:07:04 GMThttps://www.perfectsoulcenter.com/self-care/how-is-your-mental-dietWe often pay attention to the food we consume because we want to stay fit, strong and healthy. We take pains to ensure that our food is fresh and, for as long as we can afford it, we choose organic even if it means having to pay more.
 
Our health is our greatest wealth. Not to mention that it is also our most important investment. So, there’s no scrimping on our health, right?
 
The other diet that we need to pay attention to is our mental diet. These are the thoughts we entertain, the impressions that we allow into our mind.
 
Our mind digests thoughts and impressions similar to the way our digestive system does with food. The mental diet that we feed ourselves creates an impact on the physical body. 

If our mental diet consists mainly of unhealthy or negative thoughts, this will affect our physical body negatively. It may manifest as lack of vitality or as disease. For instance, according to the ancient healing system of Ayurveda, anger can damage the liver.
 
Our mind is so powerful that even when we are eating what is regarded as healthy food, if the mind is not in a harmonious state, we are still not nourishing the body adequately.

​Conversely, when we are able to find calmness even in a potentially stressful situation such as a pandemic or a chaotic environment, we giving the body what it needs to thrive.
 
While eating nutritious food is one great way to achieve wellness, consuming and digesting positive thoughts is definitely a better way towards maintaining a disease-free existence. It does not require a lot of money, but will necessitate a lot of discipline and awareness.
 
Set aside some time today to consider your mental diet. 
 
​“The mind is a powerful force. It can enslave us or empower us. It can plunge us into the depths of misery or take us to the heights of ecstasy. Learn to use the power wisely.”  - David Cuschieri

]]><![CDATA[Changing Your Child's Diet]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2020 14:17:19 GMThttps://www.perfectsoulcenter.com/self-care/changing-your-childs-dietWhen your child is on a special diet, it is best to focus on what the child is gaining from the diet as opposed to what the child is missing because of the diet.
 
If we feel sorry for the child because he or she can’t have certain types of food, we create an atmosphere of deprivation for the child. 
 
It would help to be more proactive when altering a child’s diet. Although the child’s health care provider may initiate a diet change, it is best for the parent or family to read up on special diets and the principles they are based upon. 
This way, the family not just implements the special diet but also understands the reasons behind the diet change. With this understanding may arise initiatives to prepare the child's food items in the home instead of consuming store-bought food most of the time. The rest of the family may also begin to adopt a diet change that they themselves may benefit from.
 
Ultimately, the best way to view a diet change is to see it as part of a healthier lifestyle for the child or the individual.

​It is therefore a welcome step towards a better way to live. 

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]]><![CDATA[The Busyness of Quarantine Life]]>Mon, 10 Aug 2020 10:27:26 GMThttps://www.perfectsoulcenter.com/self-care/the-busyness-of-quarantine-lifeNow more than ever, we witness the heroism of parents--mothers, in many cases, who juggle working from home and family life.
 
Quarantine protocols spawned by the Covid-19 pandemic may be gifting families with ample togetherness. The reality, however, is that things at home aren’t always fine and dandy.

The demands of work-from-home, child care, homeschooling, and household chores have many parents bursting at the seams.
 
Families caring for a member with a disability are in a unique situation. The standards of care are even more exacting.
 
For the overwhelmed parent, it is most important to practice self-compassion before things begin to take a toll on one’s physical body. It is important to learn to let go. It's a fact that we are not always able to control things. 

“Don't try to be perfect; Just be an excellent example of a human being.” —Anthony Robbins
​

Self-compassion is a practice in humility. Being human means we are finite beings.
No matter how hard we try, many times, things do not go as planned.
 
Self-compassion is surrendering to a Higher Power. Ultimately, we do not determine the course of events. This is perhaps why some things do not materialize regardless of our endeavors. Maybe, this is really how things ought to be.
 
Self-compassion means not identifying with our accomplishments or failures. What you have achieved or not achieved does not change your essence or who you truly are. Who you are is beyond or above the busyness of this material world that we have been taught to identify with.
 
At the end of the day, you know that you always serve to the best of your abilities.

Give yourself a pat on the back and give gratitude for the small miracles around you.

If you look for them, you will find them.

Peace and love to you.
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]]><![CDATA[Do you need a break?]]>Thu, 06 Aug 2020 16:30:26 GMThttps://www.perfectsoulcenter.com/self-care/do-you-need-a-breakWith our new reality comes a whole range of challenges.

If this new normal isn’t getting to you, you are probably living a balanced life or you’re too busy to even feel it.
 
You can stop for a moment. Take a few minutes. And. Breathe.
 
Breathing consciously can drastically change your psychological state. Slowing down your breath can help you relax.
 
Try this simple breath control exercise. It consists of controlled inhaling and controlled exhaling while holding the breath in between.
 
Please note that when you inhale, inflate your stomach gently like a balloon. When you exhale, release the air slowly and empty your stomach.
 
You may need to lengthen or shorten the inhales, exhales and holds based on what is right for you. Listen to your body's messages,
 
The main purpose of this exercise is to learn to explore the power of your breath. We do this without causing harm to oneself.
 
When you are familiar with this simple technique, create your own practice.
 
This is great for busy people who, for now, only have a couple of minutes for relaxation.
 
I hope this helps you. Let me know how it goes.
 
May you be well always,

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Background music: Deep Meditation by Fesliyan Studios www.fesliyanstudios.com
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]]><![CDATA[A Guided Meditation on Listening]]>Mon, 03 Aug 2020 13:33:12 GMThttps://www.perfectsoulcenter.com/self-care/a-guided-meditation-on-listening
​This guided meditation created by Ms. Jill Hopkins, MA, is found in the book “Welcoming the Soul of a Child”.
 
I hope it affords you some relief from any stress or discomfort that you might be experiencing.
 
As we find ourselves under new circumstances, may we all derive life-changing lessons that will benefit ourselves and our communities.
 
Love and light,
Elizabeth

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​Background music: Deep Meditation by Fesliyan Studios www.fesliyanstudios.com
Photo by Silvestri Matteo on Unsplash
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