Nourish
Thank you for all the prayers and well-wishes for my dad. He continues to improve and we are hoping within the week he will be out of ICU. He was admitted on February 22nd and throughout the early days and the unknownness I've been pondering on the word Nourish.
How do I nourish my body, mind and spirit?
As you know, I was thoroughly enjoying writing a haiku a day and doing a bit of art sketching to go with the words. That daily process stopped the day he was admitted. I just didn't feel like writing or sketching. I gave myself grace to quit. Maybe at the beginning of April I will start back up? I also gave myself grace to blog when I can instead of blogging on a set schedule.
Nourishing my mind for me is letting go of some creative pursuits and clinging to the ones that soothe me. I continue to meditate daily, knit daily and do a bit of reading. I pack knitting for the hospital visits in case there is waiting time to visit. When I visit by myself, I also pack a book to read for the same reason.
Nourishing my body is easy. I walk daily if the weather permits and I continue to do my daily exercises. As for eating, well I'm giving myself grace in that as well. Some meals I'm eating on the fly, some I can plan out and sit down with my husband. We've been leaning on salads and heating up already cooked meals from the fridge or freezer. My grocery lists are thinly made and I'm just going with whatever the mood dictates.
Nourishing my spirit is daily prayers and thanksgivings. I'm living in the present moment and focusing on the day's gratitudes. Watching an early spring has been wonderful for my soul! Every day I am witnessing mother nature doing her very best to bring forth blooms against a brown/gray landscape.
So how do you nourish yourself?
It sounds as if you have realized that letting go of the unnecessary and doing more of the nourishing, sustaining parts of your life is essential, especially in stressful times. I've been nourishing my body and mind with more baking and cooking. Today is sausage corn chowder and homemade bread. Sending all good thoughts and prayers for your dad.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad your dad continues to improve! That is very nourishing news! I think self care can be a tricky thing... but it seems like you are putting yourself near the top of the list... which is the best start! XO
ReplyDeleteSuch good news about your Dad improving daily. Continuing prayers and healing thoughts for him. Sounds like you have an excellent idea of how to care for YOU during this time, and that is simply wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLiving in the moment is the best way to nourish your soul when a loved one is ill. Wishing your Dad continuing recovery to better health.
ReplyDeleteIt is good news that your dad continues to improve. I am glad that you are taking care of yourself as you continue to visit you dad. I know you love to knit and read, so it is good that the visiting times give you an opportunity to do both. I hope you have a good weekend. Continued prayers for your dad and family.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you have some encouraging news about your Dad. Giving yourself some grace to do what feels nourishing to you is so wise.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know your limits when times are hard. Worrying and caring for loved ones can be stressful indeed. I think, that like you I withdraw from any heavy commitments and try to focus on calmer things. It's good that you find peace with gentle knitting and relaxing reading. Thinking of you x
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have done a good job dealing with stress! And so glad your dad is improving. Take care.
ReplyDeleteGood news about your dad and it sounds like you are doing a good job of listening to what you need. I recently bought some lovely hand cream because I want to nourish my hands. They bring me such joy as I stitch and knit and they deserve the extra care.
ReplyDeleteSending up prayers! I've been nourishing my spirit with Wendell Berry's Sabbath poetry; it's lovely.
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