I remember as kids that whenever any of us was bugging anyone else an adult would always say “tend to yourself!” Their way of saying “stop bothering them.” Right now, in this time and place might be a good time to think about tending to ourselves.
I mean this in a couple of different ways. First, is regarding the actual tending to of ourselves. Self care. How to keep yourself calm, to be in good health mentally, physically and spiritually. If we intend to be a part of the solution in our world, and not add to the problems, optimal health in all of these ways will be key for us. (Optimal is what is optimal for you.)
How can you do better here? Where have you slipped? What one thing can you start doing today? Will you do it? Who can help you and hold you accountable to following through?
The other way to tend to ourselves right now is in the way the grown ups were telling us growing up- stay in your own lane, mind your business, pause, take a break, get it together. From this thoughtful, under control place we can decide how to act, how to react. This tending also puts you in a place to be useful and helpful both to yourself and to others.
When we act without thought, without pause and mindfulness, we risk becoming part of the problem fast. Misunderstanding, lack of curiosity. When people have different beliefs, start to wonder what makes them believe that? Start to see their humanity. From your own calm lane you can develop more understanding.This is a powerful place to be. One thing that has pushed me over the edge a bit and caused me to get in my own lane to consider: the blatant sharing of misinformation. People believing that just because it’s on Facebook, it must be true. So they share without a quick fact check. This threatens to divide and good people become a part of the problem believing they are helping people by sharing this important information.
Also, before sharing your opinion- ask yourself a few questions– am I going to feel good after I send or post this? Why do I belief this is true? How important is this? When I share this will I be a part of the solution or part of the problem? Who’s asking for my opinion? How do I know I am right? Do I have to be right? Where does being “right” by my definition serve me? How does it hurt me?
Tending to yourself this week is just a call to take care of yourself at a high level in these turbulent times and from that place, mindfully share or don’t share. Be thoughtful, have grace and high standards for your communications. See to be a part of the solution.