Maybe you notice that your energy level is not as high as normal. Maybe you are working too hard and too long without listening to your body’s need for rest and revitalization.

In today’s 24/7 on call lifestyle we tend to forget that our bodies need some downtime to recharge and revitalize to be in optimal condition. The human body is a marvelous machine but it is a synergistic part of an ecosystem of body, mind, spirit operating in a synergistic ecosystem of the universe. If we do not pay attention to the needs of our body, it falls out of balance affecting the synergy of the whole ecosystem.

It is so easy to fall into the self-imposed guilt trap of thinking we must be doing something all the time, keeping busy all the time, keeping up with expectations of output and performance, pushing our bodies to the limit and more … always more, otherwise we are lazy, underperforming sloths.

However, we need to remind ourselves that getting rest and taking care of our bodies is not laziness or slothfulness, it is not being selfish or narcissistic, it is imperative to the synergy of the ecosystem!

Repeat:  Taking time for self-care is not an indulgence in selfishness, it is a necessity.

Appreciate your body and pay attention when it is feeling run down. Do not believe that your priority is to perform at super-human levels to please the expectations of others. If you make simple agreements in your life choices and do your work honestly, with integrity, you need not explain your need to prioritize self-care.

• Choose exercise that revitalizes harmony of body, mind, spirit (yoga, tai chi, qigong, etc.)
• Eat foods that agree with your body type & metabolism (whole foods, natural unprocessed foods, organic — notice your reactions to foods and avoid those that trigger dis-ease)
• Get some bodywork done (massage, reiki, etc.)
• Meditate
• Rest! 
• Take a healing bath

Our bodies need attention, love and care to stay healthy and remain vital. Paying attention to the needs of our physical selves will make us stronger and healthier contributing to our overall well-being as well as the synergy of the whole ecosystem. When our bodies are relaxed, our minds will also be at peace. By taking care of your body today, you will infuse All Aspects of your life with greater vitality and sense of happiness.

The Four Agreements of Ancient Toltec Wisdom are:

1. Be Impeccable with your Word 

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the Word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your Word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don’t Make Assumptions

Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best

Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

I highly recommend getting and reading this little book of wisdom. The Four Agreements listed above are obviously the essential cliff notes version of this book, but do not let that keep you from reading the whole book!

There are many reasons to read beyond the essential nuggets of truth listed here, but I will not bore you with them. Suffice to say, it is short and sweet and it is a beautiful experience to read.