Look inwards & reconnect

A care-full scholar can be at risk of burn out or compassion fatigue if he/she/they cannot find time to direct some care towards self. You may consider it an indulgence, or something you just can't squeeze into your schedule, but attention to self-care can improve mental and physical health. It has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, while increasing concentration and energy levels. It can boost self-esteem and have a positive impact on our relationships.

There are many ways to care for self and not all suit everybody, but there is value in trying and engaging with something new. Later on in this lesson is a perspectives walk, but first we have put together a short mindful meditation.

The purpose of the meditation (which you will encounter on the following page) is to:

• Achieve mental clarity and connect our rational and emotional sides
• Nurture self-compassion and gratitude, accepting imperfections and vulnerabilities
• Navigate our emotions and thoughts as the (grounded) sailor of a boat, and not let them take over us and pull us in different directions