The art of self care is a many layered promise that the self comes first. Just as the self has many layers. From the superficial outer layer all the way down to the core, self care must be at the top of thw list of needs fulfilled.

Taking care is not a one size fits all. My skin needs protection from the elements in the form of clothing appropriate for the environment. In the heat, I need fewer layers covering less skin, but I also need to protect myself from the harmful rays of the sun. Fortunately, I have a fair amount of melanin in my skin so my need for chemical protection is lessened. In the cold, multiple layers provide the necessary warmth for health and comfort.

My body needs care in the form of good food and plenty of water. Good food hasn’t always been available either because of cost or ease of getting it, but at this stage in my life it has become more of a priority. Staying active and mentally alert is a part of the equation of self caring.

The restoration and enrichment of my soul make up the most important aspects of self care because it suffers the most from neglect. It is easy to push aside the needs of the soul because of more pressing matters. The cost of that runs very high. It is easy to say to one self that the down time will come soon, as soon as everything else is taken care of. But I have discovered just how backward that thinking is.

The nuturing of the inner life is the natural cornerstone to caring for the outer life. The soul recognizes the value of life and living at all levels. Listening to the natural rhythm of the soul as it sings it song creates the space for true self caring.