Me Time: Nurturing Yourself to Nourish Others

By Meghan McDonough -


This week’s image is of a man standing on a sandbar by water surrounded by reeds. 

We all have a special place or time that is secret or sacred to us. A place we go as a touchstone either in our minds or physically when our minds become too tangled or knotted. A place where we can let the mind unravel and listen more intently to the voice within. 

Years ago I remember visiting my yoga teacher at her home. After spending a few days with her, I saw and felt how knotted my mind had become and how unraveled and free hers was. By just being in her presence my mind started to loosen and relax. 

It sneaks up on you - the 'knotting of the mind'.  Life is constantly changing and throwing new challenges at us for our growth. Having a ritual for 'me time' is important. Especially for those of us who are cup fillers. 

What I mean by cup fillers is basically any mother, nurturer, healer, caretaker...Those who's whole being ignites when they can and do help others. 

When you are a cup filler - you have so much to give - that at times you can forget to ration some of your energy/ love for yourself.  Filling everyone else's cup but your own. 

The image and message today is a reminder to take the time, space and energy required to fill your own pitcher so you can continue to fill other's cups freely. That the filling is a joy and not a burden because you are depleted. 

'But Meghan, what if I don't have a time or a place to fill up? What if I'm too overwhelmed?"

Here's what I say. Be still. Breathe. The body is to the breath as the breath is to the mind. Connect still the body, connect still the breath, connect and still the mind. If you only have a few minutes, you can take a few deep breaths through out the day. 

Also getting up early for me to have my 'me time' has been a goal of mine for like, years and years.  But I had small children at the time and it just wasn't gonna happen. Eventually I was able cultivate a morning practice I was happy with. But when I couldn't, I was very frustrated that I didn't have my me-time the way I wanted it and thought I needed it. Life was requesting something different of me at then. 

So you find other ways. As long as you have the intention - flow will follow. Trust the universe and love yourself so you can love others more. 

Also the mind is a powerful tool. Use it. Escape to a special quiet place in your mind, even if for a few breaths when you are limited physically. 

Ok - this was a longer one today. Hope you find a little peace throughout your day today and this week. Even if only for a few breaths and a little mind unraveling. 

Big buckets of love, 

Till next week. 

Meghan

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