Dear Patient,
One of the perks of my job is getting a close-up view of people’s tattoos. Some are beautiful, some whimsical, and recently I saw one that got me thinking—it was a set of familiar symbols tattooed onto a patient’s arm. It took me a few seconds to recognize the collection of shapes and lines, because I usually see them on clothing tags—they were the symbols indicating a garment’s laundry care instructions.
What a great reminder that we all have our own care needs, just like our clothes. Cotton socks can be thrown in a hot dryer. A silk blouse not so much. Care instructions on our clothes help us preserve their longevity. Why shouldn’t we have care instructions for our lives too?
It got me thinking of my own care instructions. Some of mine include sleeping, a lot. Like eight or nine hours a night, and possibly a nap thrown in once or twice a week. Also moving with intention and awareness. Spending time outside (walking from the house to the car does not count). Reading books. Quiet time in the morning.
How about you—when you choose to treat yourself as lovingly as your favorite clothes, what does that look like? What are your care instructions?
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist
One of my biggest care instructions that I have used for well over 30 years is having alone, quiet time in the morning. I read. I have some coffee. I listen to music. I study. I journal. I draw. I pray. I meditate. No, not all at the same time or all on the same day - except for meditating. I haven't missed a day of meditation since 1983! Sure, there are other things I do for myself. But this alone morning time sets the tone and focus for me every day and I can't think of better self-care for me.
Oh wow, I love this. And i can truly do better at this! If I were clothing my instructions would be wash on gentle and hang dry I think.