šReframing Health Care as Self-LoveāØ
Red Hibiscus Love
Recently, I had one of the most challenging experiences Iāve ever faced with a doctor. I had scheduled the appointment primarily to take advantage of a discount for health insurance through my work, thinking that if I felt fine, I didnāt need to look for issues. But when I arrived, I was told the visit was meant to establish a doctor-patient relationship, as I hadnāt been to a doctor in years.
Part of the reason I had avoided doctors for so long was practical ā navigating a new insurance was unfamiliar ā but deeper than that, I realized it stemmed from loss. I have experienced so much loss of loved ones over the years, and watching those loved ones suffer or pass on despite medical care left me feeling that doctors, or the system itself, could not be trusted to protect what mattered most. Walking into that office triggered a nervous system reaction I could not control at the moment ā I felt tense, anxious, and very resistant to any health directive. Later that evening, I cried so much, even though I did not want to cry at all, my tears flowed uncontrollably as part of that nervous system reaction. It reminded me how crucial it is for our emotional and nervous system needs to be met, even more so, by those providing health care.
The next day, after some reflection, I realized that I had felt unsafe in that exam room because it inadvertently was situated right next to the hospital where my husband had died and other loved ones had been during stressful and scary events, with the exam window looking right at the hospital. My fear of the system failing me and my loved ones had been keeping me from trusting that the Dr. could care for me. I felt that I could care for myself without any guidance from a Dr.
I recognized that attending this appointment ā framed not as a fear-driven task but as an act of self-love ā was actually a way of honoring my body and my well-being. Hosting my own Evening of Wonder event that week with the theme of self-love and embracing imperfections gave me a framework to see this clearly: caring for my health is an act of self-love. My fear does not have to prevent me from taking steps to make a partnership with dr. to keep me healthy and living my best life.
Moon / Astrology Tie-In:
During this reflection, I noticed it aligned beautifully with the energy of the Virgo Moon. Virgo teaches discernment, attention to detail, and tending to ourselves in practical, loving ways. This moon encourages grounding and rituals that honor our bodies, reminding us that self-care isnāt indulgent ā itās essential.
Practical Tool / Ritual:
One simple practice I embraced after that day was creating my own āself-love sachet.ā Itās a small, symbolic act ā filling a pouch with herbs or crystals that represent healing, strength, and compassion. Whenever I see it or hold it, itās a gentle nudge to care for myself, to breathe, and to remember that taking steps to work with a Dr. to maintain my health and well-being is a form of self love and self care.
If youād like to create your own, here are a few of my favorite supplies:
šæ Dried Lavender: Calm Your Spirit
š¹ Dried Rose Petals: Bloom with Love
š Small Pouches: Hold Your Intentions
š® Crystals for Intention: Amplify Your Magic
Even a simple mix of these items can become a tangible reminder to nurture yourself every day.
Closing Reflection / Invitation:
Self-love isnāt always easy, especially in moments of discomfort or fear. But each step we take toward honoring ourselves builds a foundation of trust, resilience, and inner peace. I invite you to pause today and ask yourself: how can I show love to my body, my heart, or my mind in a way that feels nurturing?
For those drawn to these practices, consider joining our next Evening of Wonder event where we explore rituals and set intentions under the guidance of the current moon phase ā because small acts can create profound shifts. šæš«