Reviewed by Cyndi Ingle
Barbara Halcrow’s latest book, Ultimate Self-Care: A Holistic Guide for Strength and Balance in Changing Times, could not have been released at a more crucial time. Many of us are struggling to make sense of our radically changing world, and trying to comprehend what the future holds for us personally, and for the Earth.
Although humans are presently going through a baptism of fire, positive actions will come from the pandemic and many will emerge on the other side of these challenging times with changed priorities. Ultimate Self-Care is a blueprint for personal growth, which if followed, will not only help stressed out individuals, but our entire planet.
Halcrow is an empath with an extensive background as a social worker, trainer, healer and health care leader, and her motivations for helping others is readily apparent as she shares many of her personal experiences. Written in an easy to understand manner, Ultimate Self-Care covers many topics including energy work; our bodies; mindful communication; how to build resiliency; how to increase our personal strength; and how personal self-care can flow from an individual out into the world.
The strength of the information that is presented is that readers can choose which parts to delve more deeply into for their personal growth, depending on their areas of interest. An extensive bibliography, and resources for further intuitive development; guided meditations; co-creating; affirming and manifesting; and how to assist in the Earth’s health are featured in the Appendix.
The information shared will be of interest to both beginners and those who already have some knowledge of mindful solutions to every day issues.
Information that resonates
- Showing More Compassion to our bodies: which includes loving and accepting our bodies, as they are, and avoiding being self-critical in the quest to be “perfect.” This is something to which most women (and some men) can certainly relate. Provided are effective exercises to connect with, and to honour, our bodies.
- Personal boundaries: is another area that many struggle with. An assertiveness exercise is provided to empower readers to set boundaries and how to say “no” without feeling guilty.
- Mindful Communications: is incredibly relevant right now as this section explains how fake news and an emphasis on negative news is rampant in our society. Turning off the TV or limiting time reading or watching the news is one suggestion to improve mental health.
- Building resilience: is something that people currently need to work on and as Halcrow explains this includes good nutrition, exercise and adequate sleep.
A final great take away from Ultimate Self-Care are the “Suggestions for Building a Self-Care Plan” at the conclusion of the book. The plan encourages readers to tick off areas that we are doing well in, and areas that we need to work on, in the realms of the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual.
If you are feeling overwhelmed right now (and really who isn’t?) Ultimate Self Care is a perfect guide to refer to frequently to practice exercises that will improve your life.
Ultimate Self-Care: A Holistic Guide for Strength and Balance in Changing Times
By Barbara Halcrow, MSW, Balboa Press (A Division of Hay House)
You can purchase Ultimate Self-Care through Barbara Halcrow’s site or through Amazon.
