At a recent meeting participants were asked what we were doing to protect our hearts. This was not meant in the physical sense, but rather the metaphorical. How are we keeping our hope and joy in the midst of life? Where are we finding peace? How are we making space for love?
In the midst of living we often get so swept up in the doing. This was a question that called us to check on our being and to make a plan to care for ourselves and not just do the things. And it’s tempting when life is busy and we feel the need to respond to stop making space for joy or peace.
Each person’s care of heart was different, depending on their needs and personalities. Some lifted up time with friends or family as the way they were caring for themselves. Others needed alone or quiet time to hike or read or drink a cup of coffee in the sunshine. Others needed time to create.
So in this new year I think it’s a good moment to think about how we can protect our hearts, how we can cultivate an inner calm when life is storming around us.
What practices do you use or might you try?
-Eilidh
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