Radical Self Care

Dear friends,

Any real change in the Public Body starts with the private body. Modern life is emotionally overwhelming, mentally exhausting, and physically debilitating. This is why radical self-care is important. Caring for ourselves is not selfish or indulgent. We care for ourselves first so we are able to care for others.  

I'm reminded of a piece of wisdom from a former student who leads a Buddhist school. She shared that adults in schools are the medium through which energy flows. If someone is not well, this will come through them without their awareness. Unintended harm impacts other bodies. Children suffer.  

Taking the time to pay attention to the seemingly most insignificant parts of ourselves and marveling at their small stature or distance has an incredible impact on our overall experience. Sometimes our awareness and attention to things that seem insignificant creates greater significance. A new awareness of all parts of the private body, even when there is little understanding of its relationship with other parts of the body, is a part of the healing process. 

When we have greater intention and attention to the parts of ourselves that are easy to ignore, perhaps we can create more attention to the parts of the Public Body we are taught to ignore. This new relationship with ourselves could lead to a strong relationship with others.