At midlife everything that was once known to be true is called into question. Our identities change due to influences out of our control, as well as the result of past choices we’ve made. Life is no longer full of endless possibilities. Limits can seem simultaneously confining and confusing. But being fully present in the space of “not knowing” is a necessary step before we do know. Allowing ourselves to be in the space of “not knowing” and being compassionate for our own discomfort are radical steps in self care.
Our bodies also become treasured companions with a journey all their own. Successful self care means we become partners with our bodies, acknowledging they are more than containers representing beauty or value in the world. Instead our bodies offer us many adventures, requiring us to become skilled communicators about their needs and wants. Pleasure becomes more rich and varied at midlife, with a greater sense of satisfaction for many people.
Objectives:
- Participants will be able to distinguish whether they have a partner, neutral or adversarial relationship with their body.
- Participants will be able to examine the elements in their own life that contribute to and detract from planned self care activities.
- Participants will be able to explore the paradox that the more you practice radical self care the more you are able to contribute to others.
- Participants will be able to implement three strategies to increase ease, harmony and order in their lives.
- Participants will be able to deconstruct the influential and opposing cultural messages of multitasking and mindfulness, and life balance as a task to accomplish rather than a result of being in harmony with one’s environment.