We all know the traditional meaning of the term “CPR”--but today I invite you to consider an alternate definition (originally shared with me by the fabulous Ellen Gilbert). When we are in need of self-care or a greater sense of well-being, it can be helpful to ask ourselves, “Am I giving myself CPR?” As the title indicates, the CPR acronym reminds us to reflect on how we are tending to three crucial aspects of our life experience: Community, Pleasure, and Rest. Let’s explore:
Community: We live in a world filled with screens, isolation, and stress. Far from the way our ancestors lived, many of us are cut off from meaningful connection and a supportive village of helpers. While it may not be practical to live on a commune or move in with our extended family members, there are things we can do to prioritize human connection in our lives. The means for building community are as diverse as the people who comprise them. My partner, for example, loves playing music in a band, while I enjoy running a book club and joining meditation groups. Perhaps you prefer to join a sports team or be part of a church or other faith community. Connection can be as simple as a phone call to catch up with an old friend. Whatever we choose, the effect of community is healing and restorative to our very being. As one of my favorite quotes reminds us, “The opposite of trauma is not the absence of trauma. The opposite of trauma is connection.”
Pleasure: Our nation, with its Puritan roots, can often seem obsessed with being productive, achieving, and working hard. While none of these things are necessarily bad, per se, when done to excess they can wear us out--even put us into a state of burnout. A simple remedy for this is a concept introduced to me by my dear friend, Rud Turnbull: “Joy Quotient” (or, J.Q.). When we recognize the value of our JQ, we take time to appreciate and honor joy as much as we do hard work. In doing so, we begin to experience life in a way that is lighter, freer, and more expansive. So what are some of the ways you can connect with your JQ today? Perhaps it could mean taking your inner child out for an ice cream after work; maybe it means taking that much-needed vacation or just letting yourself sit in the sun and feel the breeze on your face. Regardless of how you bring in your JQ, when you do, you will find that when you return to ‘work’, you are more efficient, effective, and replenished. What an unexpected gift!
Rest:
As Ovid so wisely once stated, “A field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” And yet, many of us have a hard time allowing ourselves to rest. As it turns out, there is great value in something as simple as an “Afternoon Siesta.” Researchers have discovered that napping not only improves memory, creativity, and cognitive performance, but regular “nappers” also have a larger total brain volume than those who shun the siesta. If you aren’t able to nap, consider how you might bring in more “Resiliency Pauses” throughout your day. Two great resources for this are my blog entries “The Power of the Pause”: and “Resiliency Pauses”. I also highly recommend the book “Rest is Resistance” by Tricia Hersey. Transforming our relationship with rest can be a gradual (and sometimes challenging) process, but I have found the rewards to be many.
When we start to realize that not only are we worthy of CPR, but that it is a portal to healing and creativity, our life begins to unfurl and transform from the inside out.
Wishing you all of the blessings of Community, Pleasure, and Rest.
Namaste,
~Dr. Abby Ampuja
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