self-care

I felt inspired to begin writing this post several weeks ago, when I could feel a tug inward, but that pull was followed by such an intense test of my inner self and has been so full of processing. (And that was before Election Day!) I had new layers of myself pulled back by surprise and though the processing is hard, I feel good and strong in who I am and the path I am on. There is a sense of peace in that.

As a highly sensitive, melancholic-sanguine (feels deeply, deep thinker, but has difficulty with personal follow-through), I am finding this season of life (homeschooling, children going through changes, high needs) challenging and I am struggling to get (expect, request, carve out) enough time alone. I have thought, too many times, "I need to think about thinking." That is always the red flag that it is time to go quiet, go inward, reflect, offload, and heal.

I have had such positive experiences getting what I have needed in the two weeks leading up to the time change and it has motivated me to finish this post and share some ways I take care of myself and I carve out time for inner work, especially as a 24/7 homeschooling parent.

1. I take a teaching day off. We play games, listen to Sparkle Stories, watch movies or shows, read books, do crafts, etc. 
2. I find a way to get alone time. Sometimes this is accomplished simply by laying down and putting earbuds in. The UCLA Mindfulness Institute meditations are among my favorites. Often, I start the day quietly alone. (I was in a dreamy groove of this until the time change last weekend! Now I seem to have company in the mornings.)
3. Journaling. Writing has always been cathartic for me. It has been an essential way of processing and working out feelings. In the last 6 months or so, writing hasn't come as easily. I have all the words in my head, but when they are there, ready to pour out, I don't have the time or space to get them onto paper. Journaling, therefore, is sometimes a short poem or a collage. Something that lets me express myself.
4. Exercise. It just makes one's body and mind feel more positive!
5. Reading something inspirational to this season of my life. Some of my favorites are: A Gracious Space, Mitten Strings for God (non-religious), Simplicity Parenting, and The Parenting Passageway.  
6. I listen to podcasts and recorded videos, usually related to (you guessed it) this season of my life; homeschool, parenting, simplicity, and others. I am particularly enjoying A Gracious Space readings, SparkleCast, Homeschool Sisters, A Waldorf Journey (these three are on iTunes), and Waldorf-Inspired Learning. I also like to listen to older talks recorded by Melisa of Waldorf Essentials, through my TFW Lifetime membership.
7. Take a class! Classes and coaching that have reeled me in are Waldorf Essentials TFW Lifetime, The Alliance from Brave Writer, several different MOOCs, a Hand in Hand Parenting course, and others, and those are just the online ones! In person, my favorite ones recently were a Waldorf Essentials Joyful Essentials workshop and a John Muir Laws drawing class. (The drawing class was free and the kids joined me!)
8. Practice a hobby (while the kids are around)! Photography, writing, sewing, gardening, knitting, and drawing/art are all things the kids and I have done together and feed my soul. 
9. Get regular inspiration and reminders of the need for self care, play, and connection. Play4Life Moms has the best text and quick video service for giving me little reminders throughout the week. Again, A Gracious Space readings and parent listening partnerships keep me focused and positive.
10. I make sure I am at least getting the "little" things. Like my morning cup of tea.
11. I ask for help from my "village."

I don't get all of these things all of the time, but when I don't do any of them, we all suffer. What do you do to take care of yourself?