Self-Care: October 6 - 12

[Click the YouTube link at the end of this post to hear me share the reflection and meditation.]

In Rehoboth after a good rain, sizable puddles form in the backyard. It is not uncommon to see a flock of robins splashing around in the shallow water. It looks like great fun. The robin innately knows how to care for itself.

Meditation is a normal part of my morning routine. I brush my teeth, I walk Rico, I meditate, and I eat breakfast. Sitting in stillness for 20 minutes makes a huge difference in how the rest of my day unfolds. On days I don't meditate and rush into the day, I act as if the world depends on me. I have an agenda to accomplish. This way of living only perpetuates the illusion that I am in control.

But on days when I make meditation a priority, I am more centered and open hearted. I recognize life is so much bigger than me and my concerns. I make room for gratitude. I experience my breath as the amazing gift that it is. Underneath the demands of my daily to-do list, I tap into the deeper concerns of my heart. Although I'm generally sitting alone, I call to mind the many people to whom I'm connected. I belong to something larger than my fears and my worries. Self-care is about filling my cup so I have something to give to others.

Practice

Let's explore meditation as an expression of self-care. Maybe begin by lighting a candle, looking at the beauty of nature through a window, settling into your favorite chair, and setting an intention for self-compassion.

Pay attention to the body. With a spirit of gentleness, attend to places of achiness and tenderness. Stretch, shift, and release areas of tightness. Take several intentional breaths. Feel the vitality and life energy within. Use the breath to send energy to wherever it is needed. Soften the jaw. Relax the shoulders. Bring ease to the whole body. Rest in this space for a moment. This body has carried me from the moment I was born until this very moment. Maybe place a hand upon the heart as a sign of gratitude. Sit with the body for a minute or so as you would with a dear friend.

Have thoughts and worries popped up? Just as the lungs breathe so the mind creates thoughts. The mind is simply doing its thing and that's okay. Recognize worries as they surface. Maybe even label them. Planning. Planning. Planning. Blaming. Blaming. Blaming. Sometimes just the act of naming allows the thoughts to drift by a little more easily. No need to get caught up in the thoughts and the storylines. Recognize the thoughts as here to protect you and keep you safe. Thank them for their efforts but give yourself permission to take a break. You can come back to them after the period of meditation is over. They'll be waiting for you. But this moment is for self-care. Sit with the mind for a minute or so as you would sit with a dear friend.

Have feelings and emotions surfaced? Maybe place both hands on the heart. What messages are they here to communicate? Listen beneath the fear and anxiety. The more still we become the deeper we can hear into the heart. Who is on your heart today? Linger in this place and listen deeply. Sit with the heart for a minute or so as you would sit with a dear friend. Don't be surprised if the heart whispers back what you need to hear.

As we end this meditation today, thank yourself for showing up. Whether you did it perfectly or not doesn't matter. What matters is that you took the time to be here. Befriending the body, the mind, and the heart is the beginning of self-care. Honor yourself today and everyday. Thank you for your practice. May we all benefit from sharing this time together.