Many people identify Saturday as Self-Care Saturday.
However, at Flowerchild777, we are mindful of our language, because life and death is in the power of the tongue (la lengua). Instead of labeling today as Self-Care Saturday, I prefer to call it Self-Nourishment Soothing Saturday and I will explain why!
In my childhood, I often heard elders talk about the cares of the world and how they advised against worrying about them.
Being an adult and a mindfulness enthusiast, I naturally felt inclined to delve into the origins of the word "care."
Care (v.)
Old English carian, cearian "be anxious or solicitous; grieve; feel concern or interest.....(source also of Old Saxon karon "to lament...to sorrow, complain,"....Gothic kara "sorrow, trouble"
Being careless has always had a negative connotation, but it turns out that it actually means being free from anxiety and unconcerned. Similarly, being care-free means being free from cares, as explained above.
If a peaceful life means being carefree, then we certainly do not wish to be burdened with care, filled with worry, or even associate self and care in the same context! We do not desire to feel stressed, distressed, or unhappy about ourselves. Instead, we aim to nurture, replenish, and rejuvenate ourselves on Saturdays after enduring a hectic workweek.
As life becomes busier, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by responsibilities, worries, and endless to-do lists. That’s why it’s important to set aside a day to rest and reconnect—both with God and with yourself. Soothing Saturday is the perfect opportunity to nourish your mind, body, and soul, reminding yourself of God’s peace and presence in your life. Here are four faith-based mindfulness tips to help you embrace the gift of rest and renewal.
Tip #1: Declutter the Mind.
In today’s fast-paced world, our minds are often crowded with worries, plans, and distractions. A cluttered mind leads to stress and anxiety, making it hard to connect with God or enjoy the peace He offers. Decluttering the mind will bring you so much solace and clarity. It will free your mind from the brain fog that you may often feel due to having so many things on your mind at one.
Understand that finding peace is challenging in a cluttered environment, just as it is difficult to calm your mind with countless tasks, responsibilities, and anxieties swirling around. So, picture yourself thoroughly cleaning your home. Now, apply the same method to your thoughts.
Start by finding a quiet place to sit in prayer, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Let go of any worries or distractions and focus on being present with God. You may even find it helpful to write down all of the thoughts that are clouding your mind and then toss it in the trash to visualize a tangible representation of you throwing away thoughts and worries that are no longer beneficial to you.
Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” As you declutter your mind, hand over all your anxieties to God, trusting that His peace will fill the space where worry once lived.
2. Connect with God on His Beautiful Sabbath
Saturdays are a wonderful time to remember the biblical concept of the Sabbath, a day of rest created by God. The Sabbath reminds us that we are not meant to be constantly working and striving; we are called to rest and reconnect with God. In Genesis 2:2-3, we read, “By the seventh day, God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day, He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.”
Use this Saturday to connect with God in the beauty of His creation. Whether it’s going for a walk, sitting outside, or simply gazing at the sky, allow yourself to experience the peace and wonder of God’s creation. I absolutely love when I get a chance to do nothing because My Father in Heaven said so! As his word says in Mark 2:27, the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. God invites us to rest from our labor on the Sabbath day and to keep it holy. I think this is a beautiful representation of how he does not expect us to run ourselves raggedy being servants. He invites us to pause, lift our feet up, and commune with him instead of our minds being consumed with work and busyness.
Matthew 11:28 reminds us to lay our cares to rest, as Jesus says, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Embrace the gift of the Sabbath by finding rest in the presence of God and taking time to rejuvenate your soul.
3. Challenge Negative Thoughts by Meditating on God’s Word
Negative thoughts can easily creep in and disrupt your peace. Whether it’s self-doubt, fear, or condemnation, these thoughts pull us away from the truth of who we are in Christ. Challenge these negative thoughts by meditating on God’s Word, which reminds us of our identity and freedom in Christ. In Romans 8:1, we are told, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
As you meditate on Scripture, focus on the fact that you are a new creation in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Allow God’s truth to replace any negative thoughts, filling you with hope, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. You are free from condemnation, empowered to live the life God has called you to with joy and liberty.
4. Soothe the Body by Relaxing in an Epsom Salt Bath
Caring for your body is just as important as nourishing your mind and spirit. This Saturday, treat yourself to an Epsom salt bath to release tension and soothe aching muscles. Epsom salt is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, making it the perfect addition to your day of rest. As you soak, allow the warmth of the water to melt away stress and anxiety.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider visiting a bathhouse or hot spring for an even more immersive experience. The soothing warmth of the water combined with the peaceful atmosphere will help you unwind and recharge. Remember, your body is a temple, and caring for it is an important part of your overall well-being. As you relax, reflect on 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
My dear friend, remember the wise words "You must fill your own cup before you can pour into others." Taking time to put your mind, body, and spirit in a rest and restoration state is apart of self-nourishment.
Soothing Saturday is a gift—a day to pause, reflect, and nurture every part of who you are. By decluttering your mind, connecting with God, challenging negative thoughts with His truth, and soothing your body, you create space for peace, healing, and renewal. Embrace this day of rest, and let it remind you of the balance and harmony that God intends for your life. You’ll be refreshed, recharged, and ready to embrace the week ahead with a heart full of His peace.
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