The Journey to Self-Care
And One Amazing Day in Paris!
M I N D B O D Y S O U L S P I R I T
Encouragement
Time for Self-Care
Sources of Inspiration
A Magical Day in Paris
Time for Self-Care I think quiet is a good thing and not always easy to experience. I am blessed. We live in a very quiet neighborhood where a dark night sky is a real thing. Oh, there are more lights than when we moved here, but our neighborhood remains relatively calm. Home is healing.
And I recognize how fortunate I am.
My wish for you is to find at least a few square feet – for at least a small portion of each day to bask in quiet. You may be in your busy years, surrounded by small ones or caring for older generations. The gift of creative, quiet, nurturing time is rare—and probably twice as needed.
Several years ago I started a rumor. I began calling February self-care and nurture month. And although my acronym did not stick, I am pleased to see many posts about nurturing, self-care, and taking care of ourselves. Self-care is not selfish!
Last week (I am still doing a little happy dance) I said no to an engagement which became unhealthy. At the last minute, I was informed that the site would not foster a calm, warm, relaxing environment and I said no.
Often saying a firm no and changing our path is difficult. We have read lists of how to lead a more calm, healthy and clutter free existence, but we also strive to be dependable, consistent and ethical. I believe in doing what I said I will do OR letting others know my change of plans in a timely manner.
Self-nurturing calls us to remember we are beautiful, living beings. Imagine what keeps a healthy houseplant thriving:
Hydration
Nutrients
Calming music (say many!)
Sunlight
And of course – we need:
Healthy friendships (it is ok to avoid toxic and negative people on your own time)
Gratitude
Stress free zones (I know-they may be short lived)
Opportunity for creative outlets - journaling, playing an instrument, painting, reading
Nature – take a walk!
You fill in the blanks:
_______________________________ ______________________________
In my first Substack newsletter, I said, “I want this to be a breath of fresh air and a word of encouragement. I want to come along side you with some practical tips and good things I am discovering every day.”
Sources of Inspiration I would call myself a dilettante gardener. I love to look at beautiful gardens, dream about them and pretend I am a gardener. I spend several days each year tearing out weeds, pruning plants (often over-zealously!) I take gardening tips to heart. I was delighted to learn this year that the ground really wants to be covered—even in the desert where people actually rake the dirt! Decomposing leaves can act as mulch.
I discovered the thoughtful, meditative writings by Christie Purifoy (who taught me to leave the land covered). She also has a PhD in English literature…another passion which drew me to her. Currently, I am reading Placemaker: Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty and Peace (2019) and I’ve been marking with small pencil dots many wonderful passages, including, “This magnetic pull toward beauty is an inclination most of us carry, but too few of us acknowledge. Even if we are aware of it, we seldom honor it as something planted in us for a purpose.”
We all seek beauty. Purifoy defines placemaking as “deliberately sending your roots deep into a place.” She acknowledges that one can be a placemaker whether we are homebodies or world travelers. “Placemaking does not deny the reality of our contemporary nomadic lives.”
I enjoy Purifoy’s blend of a love for scripture, literature and down to earth prose. I also highly recommend Roots and Sky: A Journey Home in Four Seasons (2016) and Garden Maker (2021) by the same author. Visit her website.
And although my driven self tells me to start moving in double time to make up for lost days in March--- I know that is exactly not what to do. I need to recharge slowly, begin my exercise schedule at a moderate pace and continue to give myself grace!
A Magical Day in Paris The fact that I can share travel experiences tells you I have been blessed. For those who are able, travel is a wonderful tutor and opportunity for growth. When my depression-era parents began to travel - it made a huge impression, especially on my dad who grew up in a tiny Texas town.
Today, almost every day (in my experience) in Paris is fabulous.
It has been long been called the City of Light (Ville lumière), which is not an exaggeration. Art, culture, science. It was among the first European cities to use gas streetlamps in the 1860s, making it literally a City of Light.
Earlier, during Paris’ darker history in the in the 1600s, King Louis XIV sought to counter danger. He appointed a new police chief and “gave him carte blanche to end the bedlam. Among the policeman’s weapons were wigs, invisible ink, and, above all, illumination. To prevent Paris’ violent crooks from hiding in shadows, the king ordered almost 3,000 street lanterns be erected to light Paris brightly at night, making it the first large European city to have evening illumination and earning it the City of Light title.” (Holly Tucker, City of Light, City of Poison)
Friends and readers have asked me to share my adventures. On a spectacular Saturday in September, my mind, body, soul and spirit were all awakened! I believe we often can experience the wondrous when we allow ourselves to fully explore a location. After a long week with lots of walking, I decided to stay near my own neighborhood near Eglise Saint-Sulpice. This large church has served as the temporary cathedral of Paris during the reconstruction of Notre-Dame and is the filming site some of the iconic scenes of the DaVinci Code. My Paris flat was 100 meters from Place Saint-Sulpice!
I had not allowed myself the luxury of visiting my neighborhood patisserie to indulge in a café crème and a just-out-of-the-oven croissant. I met my host on the way there; she really was on her bicycle with a baguette in her shopping bag! I was photographing a beautiful shop window featuring fall clothes, and I heard, “Bonjour Janis!”
As I sipped my café, I journaled and researched French flour—much of what I discovered I included in my previous post!
Then, with sketchpad and watercolors, I headed to the Wallace Fountain at Place Saint-Sulpice. I had already made an amazing acquaintance with the President of the Wallace Fountain Society (who is American!) and who asked me to donate a watercolor to a fundraising fête.
On my way, I was drawn to an attractive parfumerie and as I was allowing a leisurely schedule, stopped in. The young man inside was talkative and explained that Lubin is the oldest parfumerie in Paris! I decided to try some scents on my wrists. I was drawn to one named for Princess Grace created in my birthyear and named Gin Fizz. I never have even had a gin fizz – but the scent was attractive. With a scent on each wrist, I was instructed to enjoy my day and make my decision!
Upon leaving the shop-making my way onto the square, I heard the joyful music of a small band, and I learned it was a wedding party. As though I were following the Pied Piper, I was in step and – and across the street to the mairie. The bride and groom entered the town hall and wedding guests and many strangers attracted to the happy event waited nearby. See / hear the procession!
I soon was approached by a woman who asked if I knew the signs of a stroke! I know- random! I was careful because it is a common scam for petitioners to ask you to sign—distracting you from pickpocketing accomplices. She convinced me that inside the town hall, a medical team was conducting free stroke testing - yes for seniors. I was trying to remember what I had read about stroke signs —unable to answer??? speak??? This was the town hall and there was a lot of official signage. It did not matter that I was American. Why not? And an interview with a surgeon! Gotta love the French medical system!
I was truly astonished. In a short amount of time, they took my blood pressure, completed an ultrasound of my carotid artery, attached monitors to my wrists and ankles for an electrocardiograph, completed a blood sugar glucose test and then sent me to the next station for a quick consultation with a surgeon! I learned they were offering various tests in various mairies – as a public service. I asked if I were allowed to take a photo, and the physician suggested a selfie! My test results were good, and I felt encouraged.
I emerged in time to chat with the wedding band and to see the newly married couple come out of the mairie. Rose petals to toss were being shared, and the large crowd was jubilant. I discovered that the musicians were all professionals who played for fun on weekends. One of the sax players is a research chemist who lived in San Diego- working at Scripps for two years! Needless to say, all speak English!
When the wedding party finally left the square – I water colored my Walace fountain.
I remembered to make my perfume choice and decided upon Gin Fizz – and, yes, have enjoyed a spritz almost every day since!
With more of the lovely day left, I walked to L'église Saint-Germain (Saint Germain Church) which is considered the oldest existing church in Paris. An artist friend had recommended I look carefully at the frescoes.
The Abbey was founded in the 6th century. The church and monastery were destroyed twice by Vikings and the Abbey was rebuilt in the 10th century. Beginning in the 12th century, the church was updated with Gothic architecture. And yet, the Abbey was in ruins by the 1800s and was nearly demolished. Thankfully, a successful campaign was led by Victor Hugo to save the church and its art treasures, and the City of Paris selected Hippolyte Flandrin to complete a full redecoration of the building's interior. Flandrin used the encaustic, or hot wax, painting technique for the murals. The 20 mural cycle depicts scenes of the Old Testament which prefigure the New Testament. I was very glad I returned for a closer look.
At this point, I remembered a poster I had seen on my first day about a Vivaldi (Les 4 Saisons) Concert to be held at Saint Germain – the day had arrived! Even I could read the French poster! I bought a ticket and attended. Magnifique!
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Saint-Germain Eglise - Listen
And, at the concert, I met a new friend – who is a docent at the Smithsonian! Later this spring I will meet her during my first trip to Washing ton DC.
Serendipity? Attention to opportunity. Study of the area. Free time and openness to new encounters. I think these are all part of travel – and sometimes you just experience a magical day!
I’d love to hear about your wonderful travel experiences! Leave a comment.
Inspired by all of you,
