Self Care is definitely on the mind and hearts of many people these days. With four kids close together and as a homeschooler, a weekly or even monthly pedicure isn’t really a priority, and since the pandemic- my husband has cut my hair (and now that secret is out, although I know I’m not alone). My self care regimen for skin has been our Oarsman’s Friend Hand Salve and I do love a good Essential Oil, but other than that I’m VERY low maintenance.
I read the sweetest thing today that really captures my self-care and I wanted to share it:
“Out-of-door life takes the child afield and keeps him in the open air, which not only helps him physically and occupies his mind with sane subjects, but keeps him out of mischief. It is not only during childhood that this is true, for love nature counts much for sanity in later life. This is an age of nerve tension, and the relaxation which comes from the comforting companionship found in woods and fields is, without doubt, the best remedy for this condition.”
Anna Botsford Comstock, Handbook of Nature Study
Comstock later speaks to teachers specifically, and I think it should count to teachers and/or mothers in general. She asked,
“‘Did you ever try a vigorous walk in the open air in the open country every Saturday or Sunday of your teaching year?’ ‘Oh no!’ they exclaimed in despair of making me understand. ‘On Sunday we must go to church or see our friends and on Saturday we must do our shopping or our sewing. We must go to the dressmaker’s lest we go unclad, we must mend, and darn stockings; we need Saturday to catch up.’
Yes, catch up with more cares, more worries, more fatigue, but not with more growth, more strength, more vigor, and more courage for work. In my belief, there are two and only two occupations for Saturday afternoon or forenoon for a teacher. One is to be out-of-doors and the other is to lie in bed, and the first is best. Out in this, God’s beautiful world, there is everything waiting to heal lacerated nerves, to strengthen tired muscles, to please and content the soul that is torn to shreds with duty and care. To the teacher who turns to nature’s healing, nature-study in the schoolroom is not trouble; it is a sweet, fresh breath of air blown across the heat of radiators and the noisome odor of overcrowded small humanity. She who opens her eyes and her heart nature-ward even once a week finds nature-study in the schoolroom a delight and an abiding joy… She finds, first of all, companionship with her children; and second, she finds that without planning or going on a far voyage, she has found health and strength.”
On Sundays I truly do feel fed as we gather with the church and encourage one another in hymns, prayer, and the Word. And for the other days, as much as possible, I can take my little companions and explore the outdoors with them, and I am truly experiencing the delight of discovery and finding contentment with them. Hope you can get out for a little self care this week <3 Kate
Check out my favorite homeschool curriculum: A Gentle Feast.
