Ghatika Monthly Meditation 12: The Self-Care Journey - Cultivating Equanimity and Interdependence

There is a great deal of discussion about “self-care” in our contemporary dialogue, but we often misunderstand self-care and its importance for ourselves and for others. Why is self care important? Why is it especially crucial for us to care for ourselves in order to help others, and for those in helping professions? How does self-care become a practice?

In this session, psychologist and trauma specialist Dr. Anita Milicevic, who is the Research and Education Director at the CCR, discusses self-care as an ethical imperative and as a practice, not a treatment, for accountability to ourselves and to the world around us. She explores why we fail to take care of ourselves in the first place, why we struggle to surrender and to trust, and how we may develop our capacities to ask for and accept help and to truly nurture ourselves. She also explains how consistent self-care practices foster psychological flexibility, instill a healthy sense of confidence, and nurture self-worth and meaningful relationships, while enabling us to avoid burnout.

Finally, Dr. Milicevic explores these themes as they relate to interdependence and impartiality, which are key themes in many contemplative traditions, as psychological self-care is intricately intertwined with spiritual balance and authentic well-being.

What is Ghatika Monthly?

Ghatika Monthly is an in-person and virtual gathering held on the 2nd Saturday of every month, in which CCR expert teachers offer accessible guidance in foundational yet transformative contemplative practices. Ghatika is the Sanskrit term for one 24-minute meditation session, which is the recommended length for beginning meditators. We offer these sessions freely to ensure that anyone can access contemplative techniques for cultivating a healthier, more balanced mind.

Additional Links

• Ghatika Monthly YouTube Playlist – Full Sessions