Why Radical Self-Care?
As the world radically shifts around us it is tempting to retreat to a version of self-care that shuts out the rest of the world as we tend to our own corner of existence – leaving the rest for “them” to figure out. The problem with this version of self-care is its narrow interpretation of “self”. This version of “self”, that ignores the multi-dimensional nature of beings, serves to advance forces of hate and division at the expense of compassion and inclusion. The Healing Ground version of Radical Self-care encourages individuals to see themselves as multi-dimensional beings and does not shy away from involvement in the world.
What is Radical Self-Care?
- Radical Self-care is recognizing that because we were born with bodies, minds and spirits, we must completely and absolutely care them as we attempt to help others. We must fill our own well first and then share the overflow. It’s this capacity for self-care that allows us to serve the common good and gives us the strength to resist the social, economic, and energetic pressures to comply and conform. It allows us to remain true to our authentic selves--mind, body, spirit and universal body.
- Radical Self-care requires us, as we care for our selves, to care for and work towards the healing of our human communities. It is rooted in the understanding that we are not just our individual selves in the traditional self-involved sense. While we all possess free will, or the ability to act independently of others, everything we do effects other individuals, systems, and communities. If we act in such a way as to ignore this multi-dimensional part of our being, we will not be well.
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Radical Self-care is not an industry. It is not spas, yoga classes, wellness groups, or fitness clubs (although none of these are in themselves bad). It is a way of being that honors the interconnected nature of our existence and the importance of caring for ourselves so as to better serve the common good.
- Radical self-care requires us to explore life outside of our comfort zone. It requires critical thinking and a willingness to dig for deeper, potentially uncomfortable truths.
- Radical Self-care recognizes that the social and economic structures within which we live have thrived as systems that concentrate power and wealth in the hands of a few, and thrive on division, hatred, chaos, and destruction. These systems were created by humans and can be dismantled by humans. This can only happen when we care for ourselves, physically, mentally, spiritually, and universally. This dismantling and reconstruction will require all of our selves.
Radical Self-Care Resources
The Biopolitics of Neoliberalism in Contemporary Yoga: Exploring Questions Posed by Giada Consoli
Matthew Remski writes and presents on yoga and ayurveda in the shadows of capitalism and climate change. He has a refreshingly skepical approach to all things wellness–while maintaining his commitment to yoga, ayurveda, Buddhism and healing in general.
Kindred Spirits Community Gathering
A monthly online gathering for those of loving intention who want to contribute to the common good.
Smash the Wellness Industry
A scathing critique of the wellness industry and it’s insidious effect on women.
On Rethinking the Concept of Wellnesss in 2021
A critical look at the wellness industry from a variety of perspectives–particularly people of color.