Ep 225: The brick wall of social conditioning (why self-care feels so hard)

SelfKind with Erica Webb

Hey friends! Welcome to episode 225 of SelfKind with Erica Webb (that's me!). Today, I'm sharing a concept with you that has come up repeatedly with clients in recent weeks. It's a concept that has the potential to impact each and every one of us and could be one of the things standing like a brick wall between you and the relationship you want with yourself and your body.
So, what is it?
The idea that societal expectations can stop us before we even begin when it comes to self-care pursuits. Let's just say you really want to look after yourself and feel more rested, nurtured and calm. Buuuuut ... you grew up in a world that told you it was selfish and kinda gross to 'love yourself'. You grew up with the women and adults around you being praised for their selflessness and non-stop work. You grew up with the kids in the playground taunting each other if they appeared to be proud of themselves or, goodness forbid, actually like the person they were.
The thing is, from a survival perspective, belonging matters. We don't want to be expelled from our people for doing the 'wrong' thing. We don't want to be offside from the people we rely on for companionship, food and shelter. So ... when we're faced with the choice to love ourselves and care to our needs, we might find it hard when the actions we need to take tell the world that we're NOT selfless or willing to run ourselves ragged in the name of productivity.
Tune in to hear why awareness of this is truly the most powerful antidote, as well as some tips around what you can actually do about it.
Mentioned in this episode:
Brene Brown's book: I Thought it Was Just Me (But it Isn't)
Ease: Somatic Exercise for a Weary Body workshop replay. Grab it here: https://www.ericawebb,.com.au/free-workshop

Share your thoughts with me over on Instagram or via my website.
Want the video version? Come follow over on YouTube.
Let's stay in touch! You can sign up to my newsletter, Simple Shifts to SelfKind Habits, here.
Curious about working together? Find all the details here.

บท

1. Exploring Self-Care Challenges and Societal Influence (00:00:00)

2. Navigating Self-Love and Societal Expectations (00:06:04)

3. Promoting Self-Kindness and Engagement (00:15:50)