One of the ways that God speaks to us is through community. Meaning, God can speak to us through other people. If I hear more than one person say something, I take it as a hint that God is trying to tell me something.
This past month I heard both a classmate and a local pastor use the example of an airplane oxygen mask as a metaphor for self-care. If you’ve been on an airplane, it is likely that you are familiar with this emergency protocol. Essentially, you are supposed to put on your oxygen mask before you help another passenger put on their oxygen mask. The reason for this is that if you are low on oxygen it is possible that you will be able to help out others much anyways. Therefore, before you can help someone else breathe, you first need to help yourself breathe. I think that this is a great metaphor for self-care. If you’re like me, you might feel inclined to care of someone else before you care of yourself. However, if you are not caring for yourself, it is possible that you will not be able to care for others much anyways.
In his book, Let Your Life Speak (1999), Parker Palmer discusses the importance of self-care. He writes, “Self-care is never a selfish act – it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch.”
Meaning, before you can care for others, you first need to care for yourself.
How do you practice self-care? How has practicing self-care helped you care for others?
Nick Chellsen 