The Art and Practice of Self-Care

One of the many things I struggle to do well in my life is practicing self-care.  I'm working on it, but my self-care ideas mostly involve a lot of tacos from Taco Bell and binge-watching something on Netflix. 

I also have been known to do a fair amount of online shopping, scrolling endlessly through Instagram or reading too many news articles on a news app that I downloaded last year. 

While it is important to have downtime, and there's nothing wrong with taking a moment or two to do something mindless while consuming a few Doritos Locos Tacos and a Five-Layer Beefy Burrito, none of those things are sustainably sufficient for one's overall well-being.  

I've read many books on self-care, mindfulness, and the power of life-giving practices over the past several years, so I know better what it takes to practice taking care of my mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual life.  

The key word in that last sentence is "practice," which is much easier said than done.  I feel like I'm not alone in this.  I'm sure more than a few people are reading this who struggle with self-care as well.  

In a world that often demands more than we can give, self-care can sometimes feel like an indulgence rather than a necessity. We are frequently conditioned to prioritize the needs of others—be it family, friends, or colleagues—over our own. 

This self-neglect can lead to a dangerous cycle of burnout, resentment, and even depression. When we pour from an empty cup, we deprive ourselves and those we care for. 

As Melody Beattie poignantly states in her book, Stop Being Mean To Yourself, “If you don't take care of yourself, the world will not be a better place.” It’s a striking reminder that when we fail to honor our own needs, we hinder our ability to uplift those around us.

Engaging in self-care is not a selfish act; rather, it is an essential practice for nurturing our mind, body, and spirit. Chanequa Walker-Barnes encapsulates this beautifully in her book, Sacred Self-Care, where she emphasizes, “Caring for yourself is a sacred act that demonstrates your inherent worth and dignity.” 

By acknowledging our worth through daily self-care rituals—be it through meditation, physical activity, or simply carving out time for hobbies—we affirm our intrinsic value and capacity to contribute positively to the world.

The need for self-care is also echoed by Jesus in the Gospels. Mark 12:31 emphasizes the second part of what he refers to as the Greatest Commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

This profound statement implies that in order to truly love and support others, we must first embrace and nurture our own well-being. How can we extend compassion to others if we neglect the compassion we owe ourselves? 

As we consider the ramifications of habitual self-neglect, it becomes clear that nurturing our own needs isn’t merely beneficial—it’s vital for our overall health. 

This mindset shift can be challenging, especially when we have been conditioned to equate selflessness with virtue. However, reclaiming our time and energy for self-care can lead to profound benefits: increased resilience, a more profound sense of joy, and deeper emotional connections with those we love.

Encouragingly, self-care can take many forms, and it needn't be overwhelming. 

Begin with small, intentional acts of kindness towards yourself each day—whether it’s as simple as enjoying a cup of tea in solitude, taking a brisk walk, journaling your thoughts, or practicing mindfulness. 

As you cultivate these practices, remember that self-care is an ongoing journey, an essential aspect of living a full, vibrant life.

Let today be the day you prioritize yourself, allowing your own light to shine brightly so that it may illuminate the lives of others. In fostering your well-being, you honor yourself and the relationships and community surrounding you. 

May it be so for us all.  May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us, now and forever.  Amen.