In the One of Many™ community we talk a lot about RADICAL SELF-CARE. It’s an act of pure self-love. A way of deeply replenishing our energy when we get to that place of overwhelm or exhaustion. When we feel like we’re running on empty and have nothing left to give. I’ve always wondered what that would look like for me? About 5 years ago it was giving up my corporate career to avoid burn out. But now I’m thinking perhaps something a little less drastic!!! I used to think it might be a weekend away in a shepherd’s hut by myself, or a relaxing day in a spa being pampered.
Well, I discovered what it looked like for me 2 weeks ago wild camping in Dartmoor with 8 amazing women. I had no idea this would happen when I signed up last year to Jen Le Marinel’s (Wildfire Walks) 2022 Be Wild program. I’m currently half way though and so far it’s been an exciting adventure into the wild to re-connect deeply with nature, the old ways, like-minded women and your soul voice (you know… that little voice deep inside us we often don’t hear or ignore with all our busyness). Plus finding courage to explore your edges in a way that you always feel safe, held and supported. When was the last time you felt that way? In essence, it’s a personal development program on a deeply replenishing level… if you love nature and want to re-connect with your inner wild woman!
So why was this RADICAL SELF-CARE for me? Firstly, I got to spend 4 days outside in nature with the elements. And we had ALL the elements… from 30C sunshine to 16C rain, wind and thunderstorms (there’s something magical about Dartmoor in the mist and rain though). We were literally in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by trees, fields of wild flowers, the moors, deer, birds, bees, and an idyllic bubbling stream. We walked on the moors, cooled off in the stream, learned knife skills and even made cordage from brambles (who knew?!!). I’ve always known that nature is deeply replenishing for me, but this was on another level.
Secondly, it was the loving support, authentic connection and fun with 8 amazing like-minded women. I have a pretty high ‘responsible-self’ which can feel like a pretty heavy weight sometimes. And I have a tendency to always be ‘doing’. Maybe it’s the same for you? In Dartmoor, we shared the load and this felt so much lighter. Some of us prepped food, whilst others made fire, or collected wood and water from the stream to filter. We lived like ‘the old ways’. As a tribe of women who shared responsibilities, wisdom, stories, laughter, and tears. Oh and talking about sharing… in the 2 years I worked on the Frontline® brand (if you have cats or dogs you’ll know) I never imagined in my wildest dreams I’d be stood in just my pants whilst 2 of these amazing women (who I actually didn’t know that well) carefully extracted ticks from my body. Including one from my left buttock!!! We knew each other a whole lot better after this weekend I can tell you.
Thirdly, it was the much-needed digital detox. We had no electricity, no laptops, no Netflix, and we were encouraged to turn our phones off for the entire time we were there. This was so we didn’t get distracted by outside ‘stuff’ and could focus purely on ourselves. When was the last time you did that? I’m so glad I turned my phone off. I don’t think I realised how much I needed to unplug and switch off. It was very liberating… once I managed to quieten the ‘but what if…’ voices!
Lastly, it was the simplicity and slower pace of life. In Dartmoor there was space. And I need space. Space to be alone. To slow down. To listen. To connect. To just be. We lived simply. We ate simply. We didn’t have to worry about make-up or what we looked like.
It was RADICAL SELF-CARE for me because it met so many of my needs all at once. I reflected to the group on the last day that I felt full. And I’m not talking about my stomach (which I know is often full!). I felt full and deeply replenished on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. This is RADICAL SELF-CARE. This is pure self-love. And it was perfect timing as I’d been feeling pretty overwhelmed before I went due to a particularly busy phase in my business but I’m now feeling re-charged and re-energised.
So my lovelies, if you ever get to a place of overwhelm or exhaustion. Or perhaps feel that you’re running on empty with nothing left to give. Or even better don’t wait until you get to that point. I wonder what RADICAL SELF-CARE looks like for you? What act of pure self-love can you give to yourself?
