Etheric Part One

Steiner describes the etheric body or life-body as he sometimes called it, as working "in a formative way on the substances and forces of the physical body and thus brings about the phenomena of growth, reproduction, and inner movement of vital body fluids. It is therefore the builder and shaper of the physical body, its inhabitant and architect. The physical body may even be spoken of as an image or expression of the life-body."  These etheric forces work on our body through our lives and for mothers, we have to work to protect ourselves from being drained.  Pregnancy, nursing and mothering young children can cause a drain on our etheric body. If we don't work to guard our bodies then we can find ourselves easily drained and then running in a circle... "I want to get up but I can't, I am too tired" turns into "Don't tell me how to take care of myself!  It is easier to just be grumpy and tired!"

What can we do physically to work on our bodies while nurturing young children?

When people ask me *how* I do what I do, it comes down to a few fundamental things.

I make sure I get plenty of B vitamins. During the winter this can be especially hard with the darker weather, so a supplement may be in order.

Keep regular sleeping and waking times,
regular meal times,
plan outside time - not just for the children but for you.
Movement helps too!

Our clothes make a big difference too.  Are you wearing enough layers if it's cold where you are?
We tend to focus on our children but forget about us.  Simple things like a silk scarf around your neck, long johns - even cotton ones, warm socks, slippers.  With our modern conveniences we have quickly forgotten how our grandparents lived... layers! Lots of LAYERS! 

In part two of our post, we'll talk about meditative and artistic things you can do to support your etheric body.

You might enjoy this blog post on A Few Things That Have Helped me Over the Years.