By Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes and Ann Boyd

Chanequa Walker-Barnes: Sacred Self-Care

“The self is the person that was beautifully and wonderfully created in the image of God. And so self-care for me is about taking care of that, is recognizing that I am a gift of God. Every one of us is a gift from God — our creation, our existence is a gift from God. How do I respond to that gift?” — Chanequa Walker-Barnes

Psychologist and professor Chanequa Walker-Barnes talks with us about the importance of self-care for our spiritual well-being and why this matters for women academics.

What comes to mind when you think of the phrase “self-care”? Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes joins us on the podcast to discuss the spiritual benefits of self-care and its role in our human flourishing. In her book Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves, Chanequa offers practical strategies for caring for ourselves in body, mind, and soul. In our conversation, she explains that we’ll be able to care for others and live out our purposes in the world much more effectively when we make sure that our needs are addressed. I loved talking with Chanequa — she is delightful and wise and challenging and a wonderful teacher. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I’ve included an excerpt in which Chanequa describes how we can use her book as an accessible and nourishing devotional during Lent.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

You can listen on iTunes or at The Women Scholars and Professionals Podcast. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

Further resources for this interview:


Photo by artxadanna at Nappy.co  
                                                        

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About the Author

Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes is a clinical psychologist and professor of practical theology and pastoral care at Columbia Theological Seminary. Her work focuses upon writing and ministering to clergy and faith-based activists, and supporting women of color engaged in Christian social justice activism. She is the author of I Bring the Voices of My People and Too Heavy a Yoke. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Ann is the Women Scholars and Professionals Podcast host and the interim editor for The Well. She has worked for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship since 1997, exploring her interests in community, spiritual formation, and writing. Ann has a BM in Music Education from Northwestern University and lives in Chicago, Illinois with one husband, two spunky teenage daughters, and three snuggly cats. You’ll often find Ann baking sweet treats in the kitchen while listening to a podcast or audiobook.

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