The art of inner listening: Self-Care through Meditation
The idea of sitting in silence or in meditation can feel indulgent or even downright impossible in our busy lives but to quote Mel Robbins, ‘you can't pour from an empty cup and if you're pouring yourself into everyone else, what's left over for you?’
We're all aware of the need for self-care and today, the 24th of July 2025, is International Self Care Day. The date itself, 24/7 is symbolic and represents the fact that self-care can be practised 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It's six years since WHO released the first global guidance on self-care interventions for health and well-being. Self-care actions being habits, practices and lifestyle choices - things we can do to help look after ourselves and lead a healthier life: taking regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and looking after our mental health and well-being.
Self-care is actually about tuning in to what you need – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually – and honouring it!
But sometimes it’s really hard to know what we really need especially when we’re so caught up in our thoughts, beliefs and daily activities. Sometimes, self-care means resting. At other times, it means setting boundaries, saying no, drinking water, going to therapy or being outside in nature.
Meditation can help us find some space and balance so that we can tune in!
As a daily practice it is a time of self-care in itself. A space where we detach from our ‘busyness’, enjoy some quiet and rest, and cherish the many physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and wellbeing benefits.
It is well proven by scientific research that even ten minutes of meditation a day can reduce stress and anxiety, promote better sleep, improve focus and clarity, enhance emotional well-being, and strengthen self-awareness.
But perhaps we could also consider meditation as self-care as in cultivating the art of inner listening? Of letting go of the stories we constantly tell ourselves and listening instead. Of coming out of our heads and listening to what our body needs. Of connecting with ourselves. Of cultivating awareness through the gentle and soft practice of returning again and again to the present moment.
This beautiful inner listening can act as a superhighway for us to connect with our true self; the observer, the non-judgemental witness, which is actually always present. And then by listening and witnessing those thoughts, feelings or sensations that arise in our consciousness, we may become more in touch with our body, mind, heart and spirit and actually hear what they need.
We can also simply connect with ourselves in any present moment and ask the question, ‘what do I need right now?’ Then listen, without judgement! And respond. Not always so easy but with practise it can become easier.
On this International Self Care Day, I hope you can find some moments or glimmers when you can practise the art of inner listening, access the power of stillness, and tap into the rich resources and knowledge within so that you can connect deeply with yourself as an act of self-care.
And if it’s helpful, maybe just remember that ‘sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths’ and top up your cup!
Catherine Thomlinson