72 www. AspireMAG. net | June / July 2025
doing yoga, dancing, or simply taking time to pause and connect with yourself, setting an intention and taking the first step are how you plant the seeds of your new practice.
To nourish your new practice, it is helpful to place it in your schedule or on your calendar.
If you want to set yourself up for success, prioritize time for your practice on your calendar and make it non-negotiable for yourself. Reflect on how you feel after you engage in the practice and at the end of the week assess if the time you set aside is the best time to engage in that nurturing activity. If you find you are too tired at the end of the day to be consistent, find another time. The best way to support yourself is to be honest and compassionate and encourage yourself to continue as you nourish and blossom the practice.
Remember selfnurturing is about progress not perfection.
Self-compassion and self-awareness are foundational to self-nurturing so please bring a spirit of kindness and curiosity to your experience and adapt as needed. I love this kind reminder from Stephen Covey,“ Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’ s holy ground. There’ s no greater investment.”
When you invest in yourself by planting the seed of a new practice, bring your loving attention and intention to nourish and blossom it into a practice.
It may be helpful to incorporate a new practice at a time you engage in another nurturing activity to use that momentum to create a routine. If you have a morning meditation practice, you may include your gratitude practice at that time.
72 www. AspireMAG. net | June / July 2025