I think I've been looking at acts of Self-Care all wrong. Instead of aggressively trying to cure ourselves of any pain we perceive, trying to rid ourselves of discomfort through different exercises, Perhaps I should be seeing acts of Self-Care as acts of Gratitude: Self-Care as a way of thanking what already exists, nourishing it, and being thankful for all the wonderful things my heart, mind, body, and spirit already do for me, especially those things that are sometimes taken for granted.
I recently came down with an intense cold, and without me having to think, the body took care of the virus, and helped me to feel better. The body is always in a constant state of healing itself and regenerating itself in the background, whether we acknowledge it or not (this probably applies to other parts of our being as well). Perhaps nourishment in the form of water, food, rest, and movement are ways of showing gratitude. And perhaps like in a marriage, it's in the best interest of the whole to show appreciation and fondness for the imperfect being we're connected to. Maybe there are some annoying things about the vessels we're connected to, but there are also wonderful things happening that often go unnoticed.
Perhaps meditation is also a type of nourishment, a way of showing gratitude toward our own being. Maybe it doesn't have to cure me of ailments I hope to be cured of. Perhaps it's a way of showing loving-acceptance for what is. It's a way of learning to treat ourselves kindly in all of our imperfection, while simultaneously recognizing the gifts we are given, and the gifts we have to give to others....
Gratitude within a framework of imperfection... Kindness through love and acceptance of what is...
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