Celebrating summertime,
Nourish yourself
Summertime and the living is…stressful. With the longer days it has meant there’s more to do and more time to do it in. So we begin the season by throwing ourselves into it wholeheartedly with wild energy, racing from picnic to party, trying to juggle the demands of work, friends and family. When even another social event seems like just another stressful demand on our routine, we know that it may be time to take stock and find a deeper meaning to all the bounty that life has to offer.
On top of it all the current economic climate and the continual talk of doom and gloom, the bushfires in Victoria, the floods in Queensland there is so much uncertainty out there that it is impossible to deal with things that are outside of our control and this creates even more stress. The government and economists don’t know how any of this will pan out. However, what is possible is that you can focus on yourself. That is the only certainty you have. Bono once wrote, "I can't change the world, but I can change the world in me." It is fair to say he changed the world.
From my own experience, this is a great time to do just that stay focused and of course extend help and support as is appropriate to as many others as you can. But the first thing you need to do is to fill up your own cup. Try not to get too distracted by all the negative happenings that are going on around you. One of my friends says that she wants to lose weight; another says she wants a new body image and yet another want’s to seriously build his health and another wants to save the planet. All of these are noble pursuits if taken in the context that really we can only begin here and now and in our own backyards.
The benefits of losing weight are enormous and getting a positive body image and feeling comfortable in ones own skin will help you feel better about yourself which boosts your confidence and self-esteem. As for the general goal of looking after your health, you would in that way be laying the foundation for overall success. The thing is to start investing in yourself. Rather than focussing on financial wealth, which by the way is important, you could focus on your health, which is the first wealth and as was pointed out recently to me the word wealth actually comes from the word meaning well - being.
To expand on this, we should always remember that another part of wealth is the value of relationships. Many people lose not just their money as shown in the credit crunch; they lose also their relationships. A good relationship is too valuable to let go of. Relationships nurture, support and empower us. So do take care of your relationships. A credit crunch is not the time to let your support system go. Nothing is.
In the midst of all this, maybe you should learn a new skill or two. There is nothing better nor more enriching than learning tantra and new intimacy and relationship skills. And it has never been easier to enjoy tantra. We have programs specially designed to fit your schedule, your life and your needs. Treat yourself to a deeply soothing and balancing tantric massage. Or recharge your mind with a stimulating evening lecture or weekend workshop or enrol in a longer course of study.
So make the end of summer the perfect time to tend to your own garden. Slow done, quiet the mind, rejuvenate the body, and make time for yourself. When you take time to focus on your own well-being, you can better take care of the things that really matter to you.
In these hectic and stressful times, taking time for yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Tantra can help you wake up your senses, nourish your body and revive your spirit.
Good Luck and have fun!
