![]() So far, in this new year of 2017, I have been exponentially better at loving and caring for myself. Thanks, in part, to my partner, this love and care has manifested most notably in warm, red-light-lit, lavender-infused, perfectly soundtracked, well-read baths.
Baths slow down. Pause self-doubt and fear. Extend reflections of critique and conflict. Force deep breath. As marginalized folk--femmes of color, queers, non-binary humans--particularly, working daily, constantly to expose and dismantle the forces that attempt to keep us and our siblings from realizing our truest selves, our minds and bodies at times feel like they are in a constant state of tension, alertness, “on guard.” As much as we repeat the phrase “self care” in our communities, it can be nearly impossible for us to realize that we deserve release from this state. I am deeply grateful for the beginnings of 2017--for the gifts of this realization, baths, and their release. I am acknowledging that I will need to be reminded of the value of self love baths--their power, and my need for them, for this release. I acknowledge that this release can come from many other practices for myself and others--walking, meditating, paints, singing, writing, touching. That I will support my friends, partner, family, in practicing their self love release throughout the year. As one affirmation of and support for our resilient communities’ individual self love releases, I’ve together a self love bath playlist. It’s rather long, because so many types of music, varied sounds bring me to this calm and release. Please delete, add, move around as feels right. Playlist link: https://open.spotify.com/user/artforourselves/playlist/3xV0LaoeVFOKufatxBHjo1 TRACKLIST
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Self LoveDear Readers,
Be honest to yourself about what you want: out of life, to eat, to feel, to do in this world. Honor whatever it is, without judgment. Give yourself whatever it is you need. This is a process that takes time. It is the process of getting to know yourself, getting to know your body – without judgments or assumptions – learning to let all the parts of you be what they are. Face them, hear them, know them, and find peace in letting them be. Many of us work against ourselves – denying us pleasure, fulfillment, and fullness. This is no way to find peace. We are working for peace within our bodies and ourselves to reconnect us to our power center. We are learning how to listen to ourselves and honor our needs and desires. Be kind, be gentle, be love, be open. Enjoy your body. Love, AFO |