If it ain’t in you, it can’t come out of your horn. Charlie Parker
Care of any kind—compassion, generosity, communication, forgiveness, reconciliation, service, ministry, teaching, giving—begins with and is nourished by self-care.
Self-care, meaning Self-compassion.
But here’s the deal: We don’t do that well in this culture.
We do self-improvement.
We do self-growth.
We do self-mastery.
Because we live in a world that worships at the altar of the superlative: whatever is newer, faster and bigger.
(Even if we were to initiate “self-care,” we’d want it to be a “program,” and we’d want it to be “successful.”)
But care requires a different paradigm.
Self-care is about being present.
About being in your own skin.
About being authentic.
About people who are full of passion and grace.
About play and laughter and heart.
It all begins with the wisdom of an elementary school crossing guard:
STOP
LOOK
LISTEN
If we practice this “power of pause,” it spills into our relationships, our work and our faith.
One Comment
Terry, I loved your Sabbath Moment today. I really enjoyed when you said you spoke to the Mallard ducks. I also talk to the bees, birds, and squirrels, flowers, trees.and especially to my dog. My family always asks me what their response is. I truly believe that the creatures and plants of the earth know I love them when I communicate with them. This is my joyous pause of the day!