 We continue to live in uncertain times. There is not a single community in the world that is untouched by the choices being made by human beings today. In the U. S. where I live, we are faced with decisions about direct governance. As I listen to the rhetoric of politicians and views offered by various organizations, one potent question keeps coming up for me, "How shall we live?" I've asked this question of myself ever since a radical awakening in 1994, "How shall I live?" What are my deepest values? What are the truths I hold dear? What choices do I need to make to ensure that I am living these values? Perhaps it all comes down to self-governance. Knowing that, even though we live in a society that dictates much about how we live, ultimately, the final decision about how is up to each of us. Governing ourselves, in my view anyway, has to do with the thoughts that occupy my mind and the feelings that rule my heart. I can't control everything I think or feel, but I can govern wisely and make healthy and sustainable choices that foster my well-being—physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. No one can tell me what to think or feel. I get to choose these for myself. Holding presence for oneself has everything to do with self-governance. Being present for oneself you bear witness to what is stirring inside you; you acknowledge and tend to it well. You take care of yourself from the inside out, being non-judgmentally and compassionately present to everything that's there. Welcoming. Open-hearted and curious. Warm and kind. Wise self-governance helps us be someone who can participate in the world with a heart that bears witness to it all—the pain and suffering, the blessings and joys. Presence for self leads to an increased ability to be purely present for others just as they are—just as the world is—because we have done so for ourselves first. A Little GiftEnjoy this 90-Second Blessing I created for
self-governance through self-care. http://www.awakenedliving.com/podcasts/90SecondBlessingSelfCare6.mp3
2 Comments
Kitty W-P
10/28/2020 02:57:53 pm
A warm hug for the spirit! These words send a shaft of light straight into my heart today, Jan. And receiving the 90-second blessing creates a new sadhana in itself, an ever-fresh reminder.
Jan
10/29/2020 11:58:16 am
Kitty, thank you for these warm thoughts. As you know, I love the practice of Sadhana and even a short blessing can serve as one. Glad to know you took me up on this! In tender times, we are well served to do all that we can to not only stay steady, but nourish our inner being. Leave a Reply. |