Self-Care is Community Service

While at first glance the two concepts of self-care and community service may seem to be contradictory or mutually exclusive, but from the perspective of yogic science, the exact opposite is true.  Although you might be getting the message from your family or your culture that taking care of yourself is selfish and you should set aside your individual wants and needs for the greater good of the family or community, in yogic philosophy taking care of yourself is a requirement for creating a better world…depending on how you are choosing to do self-care.

The main practice of yoga and meditation is to unite our embodied self with our Infinite Self which also means to become self-realized or to reach the state of pure consciousness.  While it is an individual path, it is not just a personal goal.  This goal in yoga is recognized to be part of the liberation of all life and is done for the unity and good of all.  Yes, by bringing yourself into a space of health and harmony, you are helping to bring health and harmony to the greater community, too!

A modern analogy for the importance of self-care as a precursor to caring for others is the example of the oxygen on the airplane.  If you are traveling with children, the guidelines are always to put the air mask on yourself before helping your child.  At first, this may run counter to your instincts to protect your children before yourself.  And in a crisis or emergency this may be your choice.  But over the long run, putting your needs last creates overload, fatigue, stress and, often, resentment.  This leads you back into a place of reaction from old triggers rather than choosing conscious, self-serving actions.  And, when you are in the previous states of being, you are likely not going to be a good caregiver and community member to yourself, to your loved ones, or to your community.

My whole philosophy for my work is that just one person coming into a space of empowered healing and harmony will create an effect, a vibration rippling out to their families, their community and their world. One person living a life of health and happiness, one family living in harmony, one community living in abundant interconnection, one world at peace - this is my passion.  So go ahead and do your part by embracing self-care that honors and helps you live in alignment with your true self .   Support your process to health and harmony, and one person at a time begin to create a happy, healthy world!   

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Jamie Durner, BodyMind Coach™ , workshop developer and facilitator, and inspiring speaker, holds multiple certifications across the health and wellness disciplines including Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, Registered Kundalini Yoga Teacher, and Associate Credentialed Coach. She is the creator of the Total Self Mastery: Healing and Harmony from the Inside Out program and publishes “Healing and Harmony” monthly Ezine with easy-to-use, FREE tips to move beyond the pain and discomfort in your body and your life…sign up now at www.discoverhealingandharmony.com.  She is one of the authors of “Yoga in America” and is one of the Expert Authors for HealthyWomanGuide.com.

©Jamie Durner, 2009