Self-care is a popular buzzword these days, but what does it really mean? Is it just about pampering yourself, indulging in your hobbies, or taking a break from stress which is caused by your "self?" Or is there more to it than that? Don’t allow your ego to get hung up on the words, as the ego has woven its “self” into many words, some described in the picture above.
I want to challenge you to think deeper about self-care and what it entails. I want to ask you a provocative question: Is your life all about self-care and are you aware self is ego?
You might be wondering what I mean by that. Well, let me explain. The self, or the ego, is the part of you that identifies with your thoughts, feelings, opinions, preferences, and desires. It is the part of you that says, "I like this," "I want that," "I am this," or "I am not that." It is the part of you that seeks validation, approval, recognition, and praise from others. It is the part of you that feels threatened, insecure, jealous, or angry when things don't go your way or when someone challenges your views.
The self, or the ego, is not inherently bad or wrong. It is a natural mind made construct of human psychology which happens automatically WITHOUT awareness. “Self,” limits your ability to navigate the onslaught of thoughts, which will overwhelm and consume you. The self, or the ego, will also become a source of suffering and dissatisfaction if you let it take over your life.
When your life is all about self-care, you are essentially living for your ego. You are constantly trying to please yourself, to satisfy your cravings, to avoid discomfort, and to protect your image. You are focused on what you can get from life, rather than what you can give to life. You are disconnected from something greater than yourself - something that WILL give you a sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.
What is that something greater than yourself? Well, it could be different for different people. It could be a higher power, a spiritual path, a moral code, a social cause, a community, a family, a relationship, or anything else that transcends your personal interests and connects you to something bigger and more meaningful.
To actually achieve self-care, you need to share something greater than yourself. You need to balance your attention between your own needs and the needs of others. You need to cultivate compassion, generosity, gratitude, and service, finding ways to contribute to the world in a positive and meaningful way. Aligning your actions with your values and principles, growing as a person which will energize your soul.
One of the most rewarding and fulfilling ways to live your life is to focus on how you can contribute to the world and make a positive difference. However, this does not mean that you should ignore your own needs for the sake of others. You still need to take care of yourself and practice self-compassion and self-love, minus the self. With this awareness practice you will find that your self-care becomes much more meaningful and satisfying when you prioritize giving back and serving a greater purpose. You should still take care of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. You should still enjoy life and have fun, pursuing your passions and dreams.
But self-care should not be the end goal of your life. It should be a means to an end - a way to support yourself in living a more fulfilling and meaningful life. A life that is not only about self-care but also about care for others and for something greater than yourself.
To summarize, the best way to practice genuine self-care is to be generous and compassionate to others, rather than focusing on your own needs and desires. By giving more than you receive, you will nourish your soul and experience a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment. This is the true essence of self-care, not just pampering yourself or indulging in temporary pleasures.
-Eddie