Janet: When I prioritise myself, I find myself worrying about the indirect impact on my colleagues, particularly when we’re all under pressure. How do I calm my guilt?

Last week I came back from Spain. I was away on a meditation retreat for a month and a half. (And I’m now a meditation teacher … but more on that later.)

Thank you for your question Janet … I thought it was timely this week, given what I’ve just been up to.

So how can I leave my family, my clients, my responsibilities, and disappear for that long without feeling guilty?

It definitely helps that Trish was so supportive (thank you, my love), and encouraged me to go. Probably a subject for another blog, but I am so grateful that Trish is 100 percent for me … completely on my side and in my corner. It’s rare, and I don’t underestimate what that’s worth.

However even with that it would be very easy to feel guilty. I don’t, because I know that looking after myself helps me take care of everyone else. If I’m the best version of me, if I’m peaceful, present, joyful, loving … If I’m full, everyone around me benefits.

My teacher Maharishi says often, prioritise your own peace. Protect your peace. Design your environment and your life to be congruent with your peace.

Perhaps Janet, the best thing you can do for your colleagues under pressure is to prioritise yourself, and be an oasis of peace for them to visit.