My spiritual teacher Chameli Ardagh emphasizes strikingly how important and necessary (!) it is to give yourself what you need in order to live your dharma full-heartedly. It might be a certain diet, it might be alone-time, it might be physical exercise, it might be singing, it might be journaling, it might be dancing … whatever … The commitment to take care of your own needs in any circumstances and to treat yourself lovingly is the foundation of a fulfilling life.
Why is it necessary? Not only important – no, necessary! It is necessary to nourish yourself, because living a full-hearted life dedicated to one’s dharma involves a lot of energies. There will be influences from outside. There will be unresolved issues from inside. If you want to full-heartedly give your gifts to the world, you will need to keep your heart clean, you will need to keep your energy fresh, you will need to be rooted in your very own being.
Who will give your gift to the world when you are dried out because you kept forgetting to nourish yourself?
Blossom into your Dharma 