Retired Pastor, Volunteer Bereavement Support Group Facilitator

by Jan Fairchild
(Sanbornville, NH)

I practice a combination of the following: quiet time, spiritual development reading, exercise, day trips to the mountains & ocean. I have a prayer support group which gives me compassionate support during stressful times.

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Jun 23, 2016
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The Importance of Having a Variety of Methods to Maintain Balance in Life
by: Maryanne

Jan, your approach to self care has several different aspects to it--spending time in nature, time with others, reading, etc. I agree that it's important to have a variety of ways to approach nurturing our own well-being. There may be one consistent way that we are able to balance and recharge ourselves, but it's so good to have additional options.

Your idea of taking day trips to spend time in nature really resonates with me. I find nature to be one of the most powerfully healing sources for me. When I am at the beach or on a hike in the forest, sometimes I just stop and allow all of my senses to experience the beautiful calm around me. Engaging each one of my senses in nature serves to focus and balance my emotions and energy in a peaceful way. While I do have other techniques to employ when I'm feeling like life is out of balance, nature is what resonates with me the most.

Jun 21, 2016
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The Importance of Peer/Support Groups
by: Gene

Jan, you mention having a prayer support group. This reminds me of how important it is for all of us who are helping professionals to have peers we can lean on in times of stress and trial. Thank you!

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