Slow, zero-waste living and self-care
I've been thinking about what was considered self-care when I was growing up. I'm contemplating in particular the time of my life when we returned to a large city after living in a magical, remote area where our home was surrounded by beautiful nature. Acts of self-care were always based around consuming something. Shopping, spa, salons, holidays in far-away destinations. Hotels, restaurants. At times, it was culture, but for some reason always elitist culture. Well-known museums, well-known plays and films. I was put off by these acts of so-called self-care. I was missing nature as it had been what I saw and lived together with from my early childhood until my teenage years. When I left home, I could define self-care in my own way that aligned with my worldview and how I personally wanted to relate with the world (the self, human and non-human others, and nature). When I lived on my own in northern Sweden and Finland, some acts of self-care included cleaning the floor, washing my clothing, and home textiles by hand. Picking young birch leaves and spruce tips to make tea. Going for long walks in all kinds of weather.
I spend much time on my own. My partner and I have a discontinuous relationship due to his childcare responsibilities. When I am on my own, I focus on self-care that includes reading and writing, looking after my home, walking, being with non-humans such as stones and trees. Drinking water and tea.
