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Daily Question, April 19

How can I show care for myself and others right now?

  • Penny

    The wisest person I know once said ”Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. I do not find this always an easy thing…for me I have to remind myself to do this. I can so easily get caught up in my life that I need to intentionally look outward and wonder, if I were them, what would I need?

    • Laura

      Penny, I also like the inverse to this: Do for yourself as you would do for others. Often we are much kinder, more patient and understanding to others than we are to ourselves. Blessings to you.

    • Mica

      Thanks, Penny – and that means ‘doing unto others as they would like to be done unto,’ because they might not like being done unto the same way you’d like being done unto!

      • Penny

        You know, I thought that as I wrote it! I agree completely Mica, everyone is different, and just because I like something doesn’t mean they would. The intention of that beautiful verse that I quoted is exactly as it is written: to do unto others as we’d have them do to us, to practice empathy, to look out and put ourselves in someone else’s place, to look at their specific needs…feeling the need as our own.

        • Mica

          Thanks, Penny – indeed, a full understanding of the famous quote is that we treat people with empathy and compassion, isn’t it?

  • Marnie Jackson

    By understanding that behaviour is a symptom – it is not something to judge people by but an indicator of how they are feeling. Looking below the surface will help me understand where they (and me) are coming from and have compassion for their lives

  • Laura
    Right now I’m trying to honor all of my feelings. A neighbor’s tree fell on my house yesterday while I was at work. Anger, disbelief, disquiet at the disruption to my life. No power so I can’t stay in the house and don’t know when I can go back. A crane is needed to lift the tree off the house. But grateful that I was not home at the time and that I didn’t have pets or kids at home. Grateful also for the several neighbors who called immediately to make sure that I was OK. I’m tryin...

    Right now I’m trying to honor all of my feelings. A neighbor’s tree fell on my house yesterday while I was at work. Anger, disbelief, disquiet at the disruption to my life. No power so I can’t stay in the house and don’t know when I can go back. A crane is needed to lift the tree off the house. But grateful that I was not home at the time and that I didn’t have pets or kids at home. Grateful also for the several neighbors who called immediately to make sure that I was OK.
    I’m trying to stay in the moment and allow my feelings and the whole after-process to unfold.

    Read More
    • sunnypatti

      Dear Laura, I’m sorry you have to go through this, and can’t even imagine how it really feels for you. I’m grateful no one was home when it happened, and I pray that this gets cleaned up and settled in a smooth way. I pray for your peace of mind as well.

    • Michele

      I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this unexpected emergency right now. This is an important reminder to have trees pruned. Prayers for patience and strength in the days ahead.

    • Hermann-Josef

      These are really shocking news Laura. I don‘t know what to say. May Angels embrace you with there love and help. My prayers are with you. Be strong. You are much bigger than all feelings and emotions . Let them come and let them go. Better times will come for shure.

      • Laura

        I appreciate your helpful words, Hermann-Josef. It’s good to be reminded that feelings don’t define us.

    • Mica

      Good Grief, Laura!! A neighbor recently drove her car so hard into my car in its parking space that my car may be totaled, but your experience is so so much worse. Some years ago, a eucalyptus tree fell onto the bed in the bedroom of an apartment in Isla Vista, next to the UC Santa Barbara campus. Thankfully the residents weren’t in the bed at the time. Hugs and many warm wishes to you as you deal with this sad and difficult circumstance!

      • Laura

        Thank you, Mica. One moment, one hour, one day at a time …

    • Diane

      Dear Laura….I’m so sorry this happened to you! I am inspired by your faithful practice of gratitude even in this very trying circumstance. Thank you for sharing with us…and yes, please hold all that you are feeling with loving-kindness. Blessings ♥

    • Charlie T

      Wow Laura! So sorry to hear about your house and the unfortunate tree incident. I’m impressed that you still chose to come here and share this during what is a very stressful moment and that you can still express gratitude. Thank you for sharing your process.

      • Laura

        Your words provide a lift, Charlie. Thank you. I always enjoy reading your thoughtful posts.

      • alara

        Charlie, I appreciated your thoughts this morning.

    • sparrow

      That is something that most certainly has challenged your sense of gratitude,
      dear Laura,
      and I am sorry to hear this disheartening news . . .
      but yes,
      it will get sorted out in time.
      I wish you patience and equanimity throughout this process
      with love…
      sparrow ♥

      • Laura

        Thank you, Sparrow, for the affirmation and good wishes.

    • Holly in Ohio

      Oh Laura, I’m sorry to hear about the tree. This will get sorted. I hope it will not be too inconvenient, and more like an adventure. Best wishes.

      • Laura

        Thank you, Holly. Yes, it will get sorted in its own time. Just trying to go with the flow of it all.

  • EJP

    With unconditional love and a large amount of patience.

  • Antoinette

    Kindness is always the best way. Do everything with kindness.

  • Michele

    No negative self talk, be a good listener.

  • Kevin

    By being present where I am, by truly listening and affirming the “place” where others are at in the given moment, and helping to lighten their load as way may open. This practice, prayerfully undertaken, is caring for self and completes my humanity.

  • sunnypatti

    It’s 3:15 in the morning, and I have to be at work at 5…which is way earlier than normal, but I’m in charge of a reset in my department. I am showing care for myself by practicing gratitude, having already meditated. I do this every morning, no matter what. I’m caring for the others in my home by being quiet while I do it! The dog is snoring right now. Have a good day, y’all 🙂

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