One important self-care tool is the ability to check out from the external world from time to time. This practice helps refresh our mind most especially when things get too busy or stressful. We are aware that too much stress can lead to disease. A balanced mind is the best way to prevent disease.
 
A lot of us are used to going on weekend getaways, retreats and vacations that not only cost a lot but could also be difficult to undertake with our busy schedules.
 
The good news is that one can go on a mini-retreat even at home.

​Yoga philosophy is a great resource for everyone seeking guidance in life.
 
One very important principle in yoga is ahimsa or non-harming.
 
Non-harming means we do not engage in acts that are harmful to ourselves and others, whether in yoga practice or life in general.
 
As parents, we make decisions for our children out of love and concern for them. However, we can sometimes misread the situation when we fail to take into account our child’s uniqueness. This may give rise to pain and suffering.

Duty 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? 

When 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. 

​Once you become a parent, to not think about the future would seem nonsensical and irresponsible, even.
 
Naturally, we need to plan out the future for the sake of our children.

What parent does not do that?
 
If a child has special needs, we are advised to plan out his or her transition to adulthood long before the teenage years arrive. To forego this would be to the child’s detriment.
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Now 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. 

Know that you are not alone.
 
With 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. Be guided by your inner wisdom.
 
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,
Elizabeth
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Background music: Deep Meditation by Fesliyan Studios www.fesliyanstudios.com
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​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