Are you resting or are you procrastinating? (Self-care tip)

How could you differentiate between the benefit of sitting in stillness and the disappointment of inaction? 

One of the most common things we encounter is our tendency to procrastinate. The recent summer holidays of my son inspired me to spend some quality time with him. Taking a whole month off—free from work, whether it's job-related or personal projects—really sounds wonderful. Yet, turning that idea into reality is often more challenging than it seems. It's one thing to think about taking a break, but actually making it happen can be difficult, especially when you've spent a lifetime keeping yourself busy with your thoughts and delaying the important work you need to do. 

A lot of us often mistakenly think that doing nothing or delaying an action means we're in “stillness”

A lot of us often mistakenly think that doing nothing or delaying an action means we're in “stillness” – maybe we're just waiting for the right moment or believing we're practising self-care (when in fact it could be self-indulgence). At times, we also keep ourselves extremely busy, moving at full speed, which can actually be a way to distract ourselves from what's really going on underneath. It could be fear, grief, sadness, disappointment, or feelings of low self-esteem that we're trying to avoid- perhaps even facing the truth about our addiction. I've fallen into both of these traps myself. So, how can we start recognising these patterns and begin to focus on what truly needs our attention?  

Stillness in the midst of chaos

Finding balance means embracing the journey of inner work instead of avoiding it.

Many of us seek quick fixes and brief moments of happiness from endorphin hits, but these feelings are often fleeting—because life will always include challenges. When we get used to repeating the same patterns and receiving the same responses, change can feel intimidating and almost impossible, even though it's truly beneficial. We might tell ourselves we don’t need change because, even if we’re unhappy, the comfort of familiarity keeps us stuck. Remember, chaos often precedes the development of healthier habits, which is why it can seem so daunting. It takes dedication, passion, and a real commitment to ourselves to keep facing the difficult changes. It also calls for honest reflection on our self-care and how we nurture ourselves. We truly know our own work best, and no one understands our needs as well as we do.

While guidance and moments of self-reflection can be helpful, it's important to remember that the best answers often come from within us — because deep down, we already have a sense of what is right. When we're not in a calm and still state (sympathetic system - fight, flight, or freeze responses), it can be easy to misinterpret the inner voice as the primary guide in our decisions. In reality, it might just be our natural instincts reacting to a perceived threat—kind of like a reactive system. Our inner wisdom is more like a gentle whisper, not a loud shout or a fear that demands constant attention. 

So, how do we differentiate between the two? The answer is not so straightforward and neither is it a quick process. One main self-care tip is that it all begins with deep understanding of ourselves. It involves becoming more aware of our actions and how our past has shaped who we are today. It’s about being willing to look inward and gently question the core beliefs that form the foundation of our lives. It’s also about learning to pause before reacting—taking a breath, a sigh, a moment—helping to calm the mental patterns that often lead us down the same old path. Most importantly, it starts with finding that peaceful, quiet space inside you.

We welcome you, come into a space of stillness where we honour showing up as you are, respecting our needs and our individuality. Join us at our various workshops where you can learn self-care.