Christmas Reflection #10

Lesson #10 for me this year is so simple that it was one that I often overlooked. Self-care.

My partner for years tried to get me to do this -- take some time for me and take better care of myself. This was and to some extent still remains a challenge for me as the guilt hooks that have been plunged into my psyche seem to go deeper every time I do something for myself.

Through my new career, I have the honour and pleasure of being with people who are teaching me the lesson of self care. What I have learnt is that at the end of the day, if I am not well - be that spiritually, mentally or physically - then I am really of no use to anyone.

Many religious traditions teach that self-sacrifice is the key to salvation and to think about taking care of self first is individualistic and self-centered. While there is much self-centeredness in our world, and we see that playing out even in international relations, I disagree with that philosophy.

It is my view that there is a big "S" in the kind of care referred to here. To not understand that is to misread the teachings of prophets such as Jesus.

What I have learnt this year is that when I serve and give from the fullness of my heart and in a spirit of abundance, i.e., from my sense of Self, not only am I being a blessing but I am being blessed.

However, if my giving and serving is coming from a tired, worn and disgruntled self, the one that is focussed on impressing (or kissing up to) the world, not only am I not blessing anyone, I am punishing myself.

A Course in Miracles states this somewhat differently, in nicer language. It reads "What you give you receive," and if what I am giving is broken, misguided, depressed and/or bankrupt is there any wonder that my life experiences are unsatifsying, reasons to jump off a bridge or bill collectors are constantly at my door?

This year, 2005, was the time that I really began to hear this message and have taken some steps in that direction. In 2006, I intend to step it up a notch and invite you to look in the mirror and ask, "Am I taking care of self or Self?

Blessings,

Claudette