Book Review: Radical Self-Care

Title: Radical Self-Care: Rituals for Inner Resilience
Author: Rebecca Moore
Publisher: Leaping Hare Press
Date: July 9, 2024
Pages: 144 

 

In “Radical Self-Care,” Rebecca Moore offers forty of her go-to rituals for self-care to counter stress and negativity, avoid burnout, and build a reserve of inner resilience. She shares her own story of burnouts, and offers tips and cautions.

Each of the eight chapters addresses a topic. Moore introduces the theme that is followed by five rituals to bring about the desired outcome. Each technique, practice, and exercise has a quote, a short narrative, and clear step-by-step instructions. Simple line drawings and tranquil photographs contribute to an overall feeling of zen. Its hardcover, size, and quality paper gives it a good feel.

The self-awareness, healing, and feeling practices consist primarily of mental self-care. They are meant to be fit into short spaces of time throughout the day, eventually increasing the time spent on each, or stringing a few together. Information is presented in a logical order when reading chapters sequentially, but turning to what gives a needed solution – such as being rooted in the present moment, nonjudgmental observation, letting go, and making rest a priority – is equally helpful.

I don’t think of yoga poses, breath work, rising with the sun, chanting a mantra, or creating a body-mind connection to be radical. Many of the concepts and exercises are basic, and some of them are more involved than others. Just because some appear simple does not mean they are not powerful.

In years gone by, carving out time for yourself, realizing perfection is a myth, loving ourselves even when we fail at maintaining healthy boundaries may have been considered radical, but today I think of as mainstream. Nothing seemed new or sensational to me. However, that could be because I am 70 and began self-care work decades ago.

With all the rituals from which to choose, those beginning their search for direction to a calmer, more meaningful life will find find the book helpful. Readers who incorporate some of these rituals into their lives would certainly benefit from the nurturing and empowerment they offer, and that would contribute to resilience to withstand challenging conditions and stressful situations.  

About the Author:
Rebecca Moore is a contemporary wellness guide, author, and yogini, devoted to empowering individuals through self-healing tools, and fostering deeper connections with themselves and others. Born and raised in London, she holds certifications in a range of alternative therapies, including yoga, breathwork, energy healing, bodywork, and aromatherapy. Learn more at her website, www.rebecca-moore.com, and on Instagram @__rebecca__moore.

About the Illustrator:
Based in London and of Jamaican heritage, Amberlee – an illustrator, mental health practitioner, and lecturer – lives by the mantra, “You can be more than one thing.” She founded Line & Honey, an illustration studio focused on minimal, intentional design and the visibility of women of color.

About the Photographer:
Christian Cassiel is a British-Jamaican visual artist who uses photography to navigate the world. He seeks to understand the cultural and historical context of his subjects so his images are both visually absorbing and emotionally resonant. Find him at https://www.christiancassiel.com, and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/christiancassiel/?hl=en

About the Reviewer:
As an eclectic solitary practitioner, I travel the country in a converted school bus and share magick with those I meet. Find me at https://thewitchonwheels.com/ and on Facebook.