The Sacred Magic of Naps:

Why Self-Care Must Come First

Apr 03, 2025

teacup filled with liquid placed on saucer — Photo by Jen P. on Unsplash

Hi! How are you?

Let’s be honest. Some days and weeks don’t go according to plan.

On Monday, I was energized after a wonderful weekend connecting, reflecting, and honoring the Solar Eclipse in Aries. I held a LIVE chat to say “hello” and share some of the rituals I use in my morning practice. I wrote my Oracle prompt and recorded the audio.

The day was flowing smoothly until it wasn’t.

Instead of nourishing my body with food, I busied myself with cooking, cleaning, and chatting on the phone. My attempt to spin multiple plates in the air ended up poorly. As I hustled to clean a dish, it broke and slashed the palm of my right hand.

There wasn’t TIME for this!

I had a moment of frustration, irritation, and anger. Caught up, I wondered how I would finish my list. The pain and location made writing, typing, or using my phone impossible. Giving up, I plopped down into the overstuffed chair by the window. Immediately, a giant bird flew before me and landed in the woods. I sat and laughed.

Now I had entertainment.

This fantastic bird captivated my attention until I began to get squirrely. Was it hurt? Why wasn’t it flying away? Why is it simple perching there? I found an old pair of binoculars and stared at it.

Rest

I heard it loud and clear. I returned to my cozy chair and settled in. I exhaled and pulled out my copy of The Artist’s Way by Julie Cameron. My body relaxed, allowing me to enjoy and be absorbed by the book.

To-do list forgotten.

Radical Self-Care

After procrastinating for over a year, I finally went to the dermatologist. Based on my family history, I was not shocked when a spot of basal cell carcinoma was found on my eyebrow. Very early Tuesday morning, my kiddo accompanied me to the office for the procedure.

Focusing on my breath flowing in and out of my nose allowed me to stay calm during the procedure. Happily done after a couple of rounds, bandaged and numb, my kiddo drove me home. My eye was already swelling, and it was uncomfortable to keep it open. I enjoyed being a passenger with my eyes closed for the long drive home.

I spent the day on the screened-in porch, snuggled under blankets and icing my sore head. I closed my eyes and listened to the birds. I took a cat nap and rested.

I woke up this morning with a dull headache and a swollen eyebrow. Underneath, a lovely purple bruise appeared.

After amending my morning practice by avoiding including yoga, I engaged in my other practices, filling my cup.

Earthing the Vision hosted by

Laura Durban

The Artist Way group offered by

Suzy Walker

Loving Little You by

Susannah Conway

I took a nap

While sitting down to do my “work,” I felt ill. My attempt to create and share my post was forgotten as I curled up in bed. I propped my head, covered my eyes with a shirt, and listened to my favorite yoga nidra, guided by Jennifer Piercy, to help me rest.

I fell asleep. 😯

So…instead of feeling guilty, I smiled.

I was tired.

I felt better.

I took care of myself. 😊

Taking care of ourselves first is the most important thing we can do. We need to do this before caring for others. We cannot show up in our lives and to others without filling our cups first.

Now, more than ever, we need to check in with ourselves and tend to ourselves. Our nervous systems are overwrought with stress, anxiety, and fear. What if we stepped away and looked outside? Step outside and notice what is blooming, sprouting, and growing. Notice the color and sounds. Use all your senses to be present in the NOW.