My blog and socials have been a bit neglected recently; put on the back burner. A bit like my self care.
June is always a hectic month for me. I make space for work that only occurs on an annual basis. I love doing it, and I have a great team of people around me. However, the time for myself becomes compromised.
I talk with clients about the value and importance of protecting small pockets of time, for acts of self care. And guess what? - I spectacularly haven't practised what I offer in my therapeutic work. But recognising that something needs rebalancing is the first step to carving out some time...
…. I've had a bit of a binge watch of a series on iPlayer, booked my postponed haircut and administered the 'allergy test' (dabbed some colour behind my ear) for a future hair colour change - my internal voice: 'I bought the dye 8 weeks ago!' and my more compassionate internal voice: 'I'm now one step closer to using it on my hair'. Recognising my tendency to slip into busy, old habits, and slowing things down. Small pockets of time stitched into the fabric of my day to day activities.
I have my hair cut relatively frequently, with having a short style, and I love the experience. The prospect of just sitting, and having someone else wash, cut and style my hair, means I am still - I am unable to nip off and do something else. I can just enjoy the scalp massage, the smell of the shampoo, the water rushing through my hair, the background noise of hairdryers and chatter. It's great!
Watching others in the reflection of the mirrors, whilst I wait for the sound of the scissors and the friendly conversation with my hair stylist. There's a comforting rhythm to the whole experience.
Despite the open plan nature of the space, there is something quite intimate about the zone around a stylist and their client - a kind of protected space, with invisible walls. It enables the start of conversations, which may feel private or difficult, and the relationships built in these scheduled appointment slots are quite special. The level of trust put in a hairdresser extends beyond their capacity to control sharp implements in our personal space, and expands into the arena of being cared for, physically and emotionally, albeit for a brief period of time.
The chrysalis conversations initiated in the salon space, can transition into deeper therapeutic work in the counselling space. An extension of the care and connection, formed in the act of cutting and shedding the ends, which embody the stresses of life, promotes new growth and renewal.
I wonder if you feel lighter as you step out into the world?
