Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask

Pause for a moment... and take a deep breath. Inhale slowly, calmly, and intentionally... In... And out... In... And out...

Just breathe.

Where is your body holding tension right now? Where is your mind?

Are you used to taking a moment like this in your day, only to breathe? Only for you?

Whenever we board an airplane, the flight attendants kindly direct us to our seats, and perform the airline’s signature in-flight safety demonstration before take-off. If you've ever flown on a mainstream airline before, you'll be familiar with the emergency protocol to follow in case the cabin pressure ever drops significantly. Brightly colored oxygen masks will fall down from the ceiling, and they firmly instruct us to put our own mask on first. So why are we told to do this before helping those around us? Why, in this case, do you put yourself before others, perhaps including your friends, your family, your partner, even your own children? The answer is pretty simple... you aren't much help to those around you if you're just laying there, oxygen-deprived and unconscious. You have to empower yourself first, to make sure you can be of service to others in need.

There is a well-known old phrase that goes, "you can't pour from an empty cup". Our energy is finite, as much as we'd love for it to be infinite and always overflowing. Caring for oneself in this fast-paced and demanding world can often be looked upon as selfish and indulgent, but it is absolutely essential. This is not to say that we shouldn't be considerate and make others a priority in our lives. If anything, self-love is essential to loving others. What good is our body to the world if we are always tired and depleted of energy? There has to be proper recovery to build true and lasting strength. What mental comfort can we really be to people, if our own minds are actively depressed and spiraling out of control? There is no being the "life of the party" if we haven't taken time to reflect alone, and recharge ourselves. How can we cook a nourishing meal for the people we love if we ourselves are starving? How can we help to foster learning and creativity in others if our own dreams and ambitions are left in the dark to die?

When we are full of life and nurturing our passions, that energy ripples out into the lives of everyone we touch. Don't forget to take some time each day for the things that heal you and light up your soul. Take a bath. Take a nap. Play a game. Treat yourself to a healthy meal. Write, paint or draw. Go for a walk. Ignore the internet for a little while, and go sit under a tree. Ask for help, if you truly need it. You are always deserving of the same love you give to this world. Put on your own oxygen mask first, and don't forget to breathe. <3