We talk a lot here at Bastion about the importance of community. Community, social-connectedness, belonging- each of these is incredibly important to our individual well-being and to our mutual survival and happiness. When we know we can rely on a trusted friend or neighbor, we have a safety net. That’s the meaning of community.
Often we talk about self-care as well. This phrase has been used to describe anything that we can do to support and take care of ourselves. Examples range from small, inexpensive activities like “stopping to smell the roses,” watching a sunset by the lake, enjoying a sweet treat, or taking an extra long bath or shower, to more long-term therapeutic pursuits such as regularly getting massage or acupuncture treatments, keeping a gratitude journal, going to therapy regularly, or learning a new hobby or skill. Whether the activity is small with a short-term benefit, or takes more time to do and to really benefit from, any type of positive action can have a favorable effect on our mental and physical well-being. And who doesn’t want that?
We all want to feel better, be happier, have more time for ourselves, and feel connected to a support network. We sometimes forget that the things that can inch us closer toward wellness and happiness can be the smallest things that we may overlook. We don’t have to wait for big, impactful experiences to make progress toward our goals, whatever they may be.
It’s been nearly a year since I came to Bastion in April 2025. I can say with that I have never felt a stronger sense of community than I have here at Bastion. Community events, Wellness Intensive activities, Headway celebrations and outings, all of these are exciting and push us to feel that sense of being “in this together.” At the same time though, the regular smiles, hugs, fist bumps, and unscheduled chats with residents and others are reliable reminders that this community is not just in it for the flashy events and big-name activities. Real people create real community, and that trust is built on the reliability of the small moments and conversations.
Similarly, we each can create within ourselves a stronger sense of self-reliance, gratitude for our lives as they are now, our bodies as they are now with small moments of self-care. Here are ideas if you’re looking for some ways to care for yourself this Spring:
- Move your body, outdoors if possible– take a walk, attend a yoga or tai chi class here at Bastion.
- Practice mindfulness – Learn to meditate for a few seconds to a few minutes at a time by focusing on your breathing. We have a new Serenity Garden at the Wellness Center.
- Take care of your skin – moisturize, use sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.
- Learn a new skill or volunteer – Bastion has lots of opportunities to volunteer, for example with food pantry on Wednesdays or flower gardening with Clarissa.
- Declutter your space – Spring cleaning can be a time to sort and put away cold weather clothes, toss things that have accumulated over the winter months, or donate items that you no longer use. We have a community shelf here in the Purple Heart room!
Lastly, remember to stay connected to your support people and your community. Let’s continue to take care of ourselves and each other. We can do both!