Self Marriage Ceremonies
What Sustains You?
I once heard a story from a friend?s mother who,
whenever her children would act out, whine, or throw a tantrum,
would first make sure her children were fed, bathed and rested
before addressing the problem they were complaining about.
She knew to make sure they were nourished,
to attend to their deeper needs before anything else.
She knew that a problem or obstacle looks different
from a balanced, nourished place.
This story has had such an impact in my life.
Since then, I have vowed never to listen to the seemingly urgent,
highly critical chatter inside my head
when I am depleted or exhausted,
and instead to nourish myself and rest as soon as possible,
for as long as is needed, and only once my body is rested,
to complete the task at hand.
When I think about world around me,
I see suffering perpetuated by malnourished hearts
and neglected bodies.
I see actions that result from imbalanced thoughts.
I see sleep-deprivation, stress and burn-out
that have become the norm,
and important decisions which effect the entire planet
made from imbalanced, depleted states.And I wonder how on earth
we can work towards a more sustainable future
without first sustaining and nourishing our own bodies, hearts, and souls.
Join me in taking a stand (a lay, or a nap) for nourishment, one act of self-care at a time, to contribute to a nourished and thriving world.
What is one small or big thing that would nourish you today?
Find some space in your day to give yourself an exhale, to rest and replenish in the name of service,
to sustain the giving of the innumerable blessings you give to the world.
Dominique
P.S. You are invited to Temple Within, a retreat at Harbin Hot Springs in Northern California to bring in the New Year with this essential vow and intention of holy nourishment.
Details are at www.selfmarriageceremonies.
top image by Lisa Nelson
bottom image by Bibbie Friman Awakening Photographer