Selfcare is something you seldom think about, as you indulge in things you enjoy or take few minutes of the day to do something that truly relaxes you. It is true that we often take it for especially for those who are workaholics or those that feel a responsibility to continuously work for the betterment of society, however allocating time for yourself to ensure that the trauma you witness and the injustices that affect you are looked after and controlled is so important.
In the session with Prabha, I was so astounded to see the emotions that had been withheld and suppressed not only in my colleagues but within myself as I well. I was unaware of how the week had affected me and how the hectic schedule, heavy content and being so far away from home had truly exhausted me without me being aware. Therefore, when my colleagues started to open up about their emotions and experiences, the emotions that I felt were so strong and uncontrollable that I was completely caught off guard. I had been neglecting myself and my need for self reflection and debriefing and that moment of vulnerability had exposed it. I am so grateful to Prabha for the gracious and warm manner in which she handled the room and all of us in it, and if anything, this experience has brought to light that if I am to continue in this work, I need to make more time for self care, which is not only limited to doing things I enjoy, but actually looking into myself to see how I have been affected.
