Let's start this week, this morning, with this morning meditation

SELF-NURTURING MORNING MEDITATION

BY NADINE KOECHER FOR INSIGHT TIMER

This 11-minute guided meditation provides you an excellent start to or break during your day. By focusing on the breath, we soothe our nervous system to settle and ground within. Tension in the body gets released and allows for practicing of mindful awareness of the present moment. The silence in between the guidance allows you to truly connect to and nourish yourself. The meditation ends with a short practice in gratitude, so that you can carry this vibration with you throughout your day.

Next, a podcast from one of the best

EPISODE #177 GROUNDING AND SOOTHING YOURSELF

BY DR THEMA FOR THE HOMECOMING PODCAST WITH DR THEMA

Dr. Thema describes strategies for grounding and soothing yourself, as well as the need for these strategies.

And now, your journal prompt.

“What does it feel like to be truly nurtured, and how can I offer that to myself today?” Let this guide your inner inquiry.

LEARNING TO NURTURE YOURSELF: SELF NURTURING ACTIVITIES

FROM WILLIAMSBURG THERAPY GROUP

The actions of self-nurturing and self-care look the same, but with self-nurturing you take the further step of truly identifying what you need and determining that you are worthy of taking the time to evaluate and learn how to best offer yourself the practices of self-care. We will use these terms interchangeably in this article, but self-nurturing offers that extra layer of intention.

Next, our book selection...

ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE: A NOVEL

BY GAIL HONEYMAN

"Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" tells the story of Eleanor, a socially awkward woman with a troubled past, who lives a solitary life filled with routine and self-imposed isolation.Her world is disrupted when she and a new co-worker, Raymond, help an elderly man who has fallen on the street.This act of kindness sparks a journey of self-discovery and healing for Eleanor, as she learns to open herself up to new relationships and experiences.

And celebration of our Harlem rose, a film about the unrelenting love of mothers

A THOUSAND AND ONE

STARRING TEYANA TAYLOR

After unapologetic and fiercely loyal Inez kidnaps her son Terry from the foster care system, mother and son set out to reclaim their sense of home, identity, and stability, in a rapidly changing New York City. A love letter to the dynamic mothers of Harlem.

YOUR "I DESERVE" AFFIRMATION RITUAL

Nurturing is an act of deep care — a tender return to the roots of who you are. This self-love ritual invites you to slow down, soften, and offer yourself the loving attention you may often reserve for others. Because your needs matter. Because your soul craves nourishment too.

BODY CARE CEREMONY - Take a warm bath or shower using gentle products. Let this be as focused on getting clean as it is about nurturing yourself. Add a few drops of essential oil like lavender or chamomile for an extra layer of comfort.

COZY CORNER CREATION - Create a small sanctuary at home—add blankets, books, candlelight, and soft music. Make space to rest, even if just for 20 minutes. Lay down. Do nothing. That is the nurturing.

EVENING WRAP-UP - Put on your favorite loungewear or robe. Tuck yourself into bed like a cherished child.

You deserve to be deeply cared for.

To rest.

To receive.

To be nourished in ways that refill your cup and remind you that your needs matter.

You'll be hearing more from me soon. Promise.

Tamara Charese

As always, affirmations from previous weeks are available here