Greetings from the whirlwind that is the beginning of fall! Here in Rhode Island we started school last week, and that’s always a bit jostling as we get back into a routine. Plus, Mercury (the planet of communications) went direct last week as well and it seems that everyone is back to their desks this week sending out emails asking about progress and green-lighting new projects. In getting back into busy routines, it is easy for us to begin neglecting our self-care.
Last Friday I was due to turn in a chapter for a book I’m working on. I also had a dentist’s appointment, it was our turn to host pizza night (a weekly dinner gathering of friends that doesn’t always involve pizza, despite the name), the kids got out of school early, and the dog needed a walk… Plus, I wanted to keep an eye on the headlines and check in on social media with friends who live in areas being affected by a storm or a fire (or now an earthquake—I think Mother Earth is trying to get us all on board with the idea that she needs our love and respect and no more of this political “is climate change real or isn’t it?” business). Long way of saying that last Friday, more than your typical day, time was of the essence.
I knew this day was coming, which is why I had made it a point to schedule a meditation with my meditation buddy for that morning right after the bus stop.
Because whenever you think you don’t have time for self-care, you need it more than ever. (Click to Tweet!)
On this particularly packed day, we only had time for 5 minutes of meditating. “Is it worth it?” my friend asked. My response to her, to myself, and to everyone who is also feeling like the world is moving on fast forward was and always will be: “Abso-frickin-lutely.”
Here’s a the short, sweet truth: Any amount of time that you can dedicate to allowing yourself to breathe, feel how you feel, and simply be in this moment is transformative. Sure it would be great if you could meditate twice a day for 20 minutes each time. But if you only have two minutes, it doesn’t mean you skip it entirely. Even one good breath that you’re present for can change your whole being and your day for the better.
So we set the timer for 5 minutes and sat. And that’s when I finally got the idea of what I wanted to write my newsletter about. Funny how that happens, isn’t it?
Maybe you’re feeling like you’re in the transitional hyperdrive too, and you needed to hear this message today, so I’ll say it again ever more plainly:
When it comes to self-care, some is always better than none. (Click to Tweet!)
I pray that you and yours are sheltered from the storms, the fires, the earthquakes, the bombs. May we all use the barrage of upsetting headlines to care about each other and about the Earth more, to be more loving, to take more action, and to turn our attention to the things that truly matter.
It was a pleasure meeting you today – I have several friends that can benefit from your various talents – a few writing books, several in need of meditation, and one or two wondering what to do with their lives now that they are retired but still “young” And need/want to do something meaningful and fulfilling but not sure how to figure out what that would be. Looking forward to your new book “How to be a better person”.