Instructions for Self-Care Activity
Parents and caregivers learn about Lōkahi – Unity and how to gain support for themselves.
Suggested Time: 10 minutes or more in a quiet place
Items: Paper, pen or something to write with
Ages: Adult
Instructions
An Eco-Map is a diagram of your most important relationships with people, groups, and organizations. The Eco-Map identifies resources available to you in your community. Draw an Eco-Map of all the positive connections in your life.
- Taking 10 minutes to yourself, get a pen and paper to draw your Eco-Map. You can print page 2 in the download (gray button), or draw one out using the sample below.
- In your eco-map, start with yourself in the center. Begin to list where you receive support. Include people, places, your spiritual practices, or other things that help you.
- Give each support its own box, circle, shape (see page 2 of the download).
- Draw a line connecting you to your supports. Thicker, bolder lines represent stronger support. Thinner lines represent supports that not as strong.
- When complete, sit and reflect on the following questions: .
- How many strong supports do I have?
- What/who is my most important support?
- What makes this support so important?
- What areas of my life are most supported? Childcare? Health? Finances?
- Where do I need more support, and how can I get that support?
After making an Eco-Map for yourself, try making an Eco-Map for your child, your kūpuna, or your spouse/partner/loved one. Together, all of these Eco-Maps show the support that is within reach for your ‘ohana. Eco-Maps can also change over time depending on what is important to you at the time. Consider posting your Eco-Map in a place you can see when you need to call upon support. If you focus on using and building your support, you will grow stronger and stronger over time.
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