Where is the balance between care of self and care of others?
Many people who attend our Meditation and Wellness seminars share that their motivation for participating is related to hitting the reset button and taking better care of themselves. Many often relate that they are overworked and overwhelmed with caring for others. Some are going through relationship changes that require grieving losses and then finding new sources of relatedness. Upon a closer look many reveal that they have been in denial of their own needs, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.
When we examine where to begin, we realize that first we must slow down and listen to our bodies and inner dialogue. Our silent meditation programs with yoga and meditation create a space for an introspective process that enhances self-awareness on many levels. The self-knowledge acquired reconnects us with our intuition, which reveals what simultaneously best serves others and us. The decision to attend a retreat for self-care is often supported by a friend or family member. This is a gift we can offer others and ourselves.
Many of us may not have yet fully embraced a program of self-care. Our busy culture may not support talking care of ourselves and in many instances views self care as selfishly motivated. Where is the balance between care of self and care of others? The analogies of balancing care of self and others need a more expansive metaphor. Perhaps first “know thy self”.
The golden rule, “treat others as we would have them treat us“ benevolently presumes we know what we and others need. Henry David Thoreau once said that, “If people are coming to help me, let me know in advance so that I can hide behind my wood shed.” If we are first clearer about our own needs, then we might be better able to discern what others need.
This is a first in a series of blogs on self-care. The next article will continue with expanding on recommendations for physical, mental, social and spiritual practices that enhance balancing care of self and others.
Namaskar,
Sid Jordan, Staff