Note: this article first appeared in the January 2008 issue of Clark Wellness ForkBytes.
The Four Selves is a useful principle for ensuring you are practicing great self-care. Check in with yourself four times, concentrating each time on one of the categories below.
The Physical Self includes:
- food: eating a clean, natural, high-quality diet appropriate for your bio-individuality and lifestyle
- movement: regular participation in a body-affirming movement or exercise program you enjoy
- massage/bodywork: bodywork is helpful for stimulating immunity and feeling connected to the body
- sleep/rest: ensuring appropriate restful sleep and adequate down time
The Mental Self includes:
- occupation: finding a career or occupation that challenges your mind
- activities that provide mental and intellectual stimulation
- stress management
The Emotional Self includes:
- relationships: romantic, family, friends, and colleagues
- processing feelings through conversations, writing, etc.
The Spiritual Self includes:
- anything that connects you to your spirit: deep breaths, spending time in nature, quiet time, etc.
- creativity: self-expression, artistic endeavors, journaling
Try evaluating each area to see where you are now. How are you doing emotionally? What’s going on spiritually for you? Are you feeling physically and mentally nourished? Write down a few words, thoughts, or sentences that express where you are with each area today.
Now, beginning from that point, what is one small step you can take in each area to ensure better nourishment? Be creative and think tiny. What small, manageable steps can you take to ensure each of your Four Selves is happy, healthy, and thriving? Use action-oriented language to verbalize your steps (for example, “schedule aromatherapy bubble baths on Tuesday and Friday evenings” is clearer and more directive than “manage stress”). Then… do it!
