As I played with my 3-year-old grandson yesterday, he became dismayed to learn that the creek behind grandma’s house was running high, preventing us from crossing over into the park. While scouting another route across the water, a police officer appeared with his dog on the other side. My grandson shouted, “There’s a policeman, he can help us.” And I thought, “Yes, he could, little buddy, but only a superhero can ford this stream.” Sometimes we do need help from others, and sometimes we need to help ourselves. Little Oscar is learning that life can present obstacles and challenges at the most inopportune times. Learning to navigate these obstacles and rise above them is a lifelong challenge. Yes, we can ask for help, but it’s also important that we know how to help ourselves.
We have spent a lot of time over the past few years navigating these twists and turns of life. From the COVID-19 pandemic and reproductive rights to voting rights and climate change, our limits have been tested, our energy drained. How do we even decide where to put our energy and attention these days? Self-care is a mainstay for keeping afloat throughout these challenges. Self-care, and at times, the support of our community.
So, I invite you this week to take a moment and find your way to self-care. Beth Casebolt, operations manager and communications consultant for the Central East Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association writes, “Take a moment to read, sing, listen to music, meditate, walk a labyrinth, sit quietly in nature, watch small children play. Whatever it is that quiets your mind, feeds your soul and lifts your spirits. I invite you to make and take time to do that. Recharge your spirit. Without that we cannot continue the good fight.”
Taking her advice, I turned this week to yoga and gardening to quiet my whirling mind and restless soul. Movement and nature are the batteries I use to recharge my spirit. When I need to up my game, I rely on reading one of my favorite poems by John O’Donohue, called “For Presence.” Perhaps it will lift your spirits as well.
“For Presence” by John O’Donohue
Awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.
Have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.
Receive encouragement when new frontiers beckon.
Respond to the call of your gift and the courage to follow its path.
Let the flame of anger free you of all falsity.
May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame.
May anxiety never linger about you.
May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul.
Take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.
Be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.
May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.
When community support is needed to steady us, there is a wealth of resources and caring hearts available at UUCF. Our devoted ministers, the Pastoral Care Team and friends (both known and unknown) can offer support in times of need.
By the way, little Oscar and I didn’t make it across the creek that day. The police officer would have needed a boat to help us. So, we contented ourselves by throwing rocks and watching leaves flow downstream in the water. We returned the following day and crossed into the park as usual. Sometimes waiting is the strategy needed to find our way to wellness.
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