Before we jump into this blog post, let’s all take one big deep breath. Inhale for 5… exhale for 7... Let your shoulders melt down, releasing any resistance and allow your body to root into wherever you find yourself in this moment.
A primary focus of our discussions in the Student Sustainability Center (SSC) throughout Fall Term was Self Care. When we think of “self care” some of us might immediately imagine bubble baths, a cup of tea and a good book. And sometimes, that is exactly what we need. Though, from deep and reflective conversations with students through such a turbulent term and year, we’ve redefined what it means to take care of ourselves.
In the SSC Leadership Fellows Cohort, a leadership development class based on shared curriculum from Student Activities and Leadership Programs, we spent the week of the election reflecting on the idea of self care. Together we learned about Radical Self Care. In the words of Audre Lord, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare.” Audre Lorde's ideas about self care were picked up by many in queer, feminist and activist circles. Caring for yourself became a way of preserving yourself in a world that was hostile to your identity, your community and your way of life.
I assume I can speak for many, when I express how difficult it has been to bring forth the motivation and energy we once felt to tackle sustainability projects. In our current political climate and virtual world, it can feel exhausting to push forward initiatives we care about. Many students and professionals alike, were forced to focus on our own sustainability, preservation and well-being.
We’ve all heard it before, you must fill your cup first. But what does that really mean? And how will it help us save the world? Students choose to pursue a career path in sustainability, usually because they want to make a difference and this career path feels congruent with their values. When in a value-driven field/ position, it can be easy to pour much of your time, energy and resources into what you’re working on. In order to sustain this pathway and to not get burnt out, it is important to intentionally stop ourselves and do something that is self-nourishing. It can be burdensome to have a constant pressure to make an impact in our field. The most important thing sustainability leaders can do is to preserve themselves in order to live a long and fulfilled life that is congruent with their values. This inspires others as well, creating a more conscious world. In my experience as a sustainability leader, I make the consistent effort to surf and do art as much as possible because the benefit of those practices transcends into all aspects of my life, including my career. When given the opportunity to nourish oneself, sustainability is pushed forward.
So yes, please keep working towards an equitable future for our planet and all of its inhabitants, but do so in a way that preserves who you are and why you began in the first place. Perhaps, saving the world starts with making your bed in the morning, writing down what you are grateful for, going to therapy, making some art, visiting family, etc. These are all acts of self-preservation that will ensure a healthy you, where a healthy planet begins.
We also recognize that self care is a privilege. In the busy life of a student many who attend school full time have multiple jobs and even children at home; it can feel difficult to have access to the time and resources to practice “self care,” which at the very simplest is prioritizing your energy towards things that make you feel good. Greater access to time and resources to promote self care requires a culture shift, which we find important here at the SSC. Our volunteers, leadership fellows and staff are all given opportunities to reflect, share what's on their hearts and have fun in a community that supports their goals. As we start to think of our potential New Year’s resolutions, we can envision goals for ourselves, small or big, that will allow for us to show up as our best.
Happy New Year’s from the Student Sustainability Center!
Self Care Resources