It's hard to believe that May is nearly half-way over and we've come to the last of the 8 tips. I've posted links to each one at the end of this entry in case you missed any. They've been really fun to share, and I'm glad that so many of you have benefited from them. I really appreciate hearing all of your comments on the blog, facebook, in person and over email. I loved hearing how the suggestions have touched you, and I'm honored to hold your personal stories so close to my heart.  It I'd still love to hear any feedback you might have as you integrate any of the tips into your life.Tip 8 comes from discussions with a dear friend of mine, Penn Oncology chaplain Kava Schafer:

Tip 8 - The Power of Self Care:  Do a few things each week to nourish your spirit
Taking time for self care has been an essential part of how I stay centered. I've found that I need a balance of work and play, and I can't wait only for weekends or days off. During the work week I care so much for others and work so hard that I need to prioritize caring for myself. Kava taught me that you can't always do everything that makes you happy, but if you make a list of all the things that nourish your spirit you can do at least a few of them every week. Some things on your list might be short, simple and not so time consuming. Others maybe more elaborate or require lots of energy. Making a list gives you lots to choose from. For example, I may benefit immensely from going to a yoga class, but I don't have the time to do it every day. Taking a walk around my neighborhood takes far less time and feeds my need for nourishment and movement. It also meets my need for spending time in nature.Here are some of the things on my weekly self care list:

• Make art (printmaking or painting are my current faves)

• Listen to a Ted Talk

• Read a book

• Take a walk or go for a leisurely bike ride

• Make music (sing, drum, guitar or play piano)

• Prepare nourishing food

• Movement- dance, yoga, shaking

• Garden

• Journal

• Meditate

• Hang out with friends or family

• Sit on the porch and drink some tea

• Take myself on a date

I do my best to do at least one thing on my list every day, and at the very least 3 times a week. I feel a huge difference when I devote time to my own care. I'd love to hear some of your favorites for self care too.In case you missed any, here's a link to each of the posts for staying happy, healthy and peaceful in crazy times :8 Tips

1. When you’re down, look up

2. Have a weekly dance party

3. No Logistics After 10pm

4. Do one thing at a time

5. Think Before You Eat – The Attitude of Gratitude

6. Be Real: Don’t pretend you are feeling happy, healthy and peaceful when you’re not

7. Leave your cellphone out of your bedroom when you go to sleep

8. The power of self care: Do a few things each week to nourish your spirit

My name is Kim Fleisher and I’m the director of The Reiki School + Clinic and I have a scholarly geek brain that is intensely organized and learning-driven. I’m a teacher at heart and that’s why our Reiki classes are so long – because real learning takes place over time, by DOING. I’m going to give you one tip a week with the invitation to try it for a week and let me know if it helps! Feel free to share any tweaks you make to the process (making it your own helps seal the deal of learning/integrating any new skill), or share your own tips for staying healthy (the ability to explain what you know is a key step to mastery).