CARING FOR THE CARERS
WHAT IS SELF CARE?
Self-care is not flexing in front of a mirror alternately kissing each bicep. Or, if applicable, wishing you had biceps to kiss. Self-care, rightly understood, is not an inflated sense of self-importance, or selfishness that keeps us from serving others. Instead, self-care, is a realistic view of how to take care of the only bodies we have in this life; bodies which house our minds and our souls.
Self-care is the physical, emotional, and spiritual equivalent of automobile maintenance. Change the oil, check the transmission fluid, check the air-pressure, and get weird noises checked out, then your car or truck should last. Ignore the “clunk, clunk” or the smoking tailpipe long enough and expect a costly repair later.
Self-care is not flexing in front of a mirror alternately kissing each bicep. Or, if applicable, wishing you had biceps to kiss. Self-care, rightly understood, is not an inflated sense of self-importance, or selfishness that keeps us from serving others. Instead, self-care, is a realistic view of how to take care of the only bodies we have in this life; bodies which house our minds and our souls.
Self-care is the physical, emotional, and spiritual equivalent of automobile maintenance. Change the oil, check the transmission fluid, check the air-pressure, and get weird noises checked out, then your car or truck should last. Ignore the “clunk, clunk” or the smoking tailpipe long enough and expect a costly repair later.
At its most basic definition, self-care is any intentional action taken to meet an individual’s physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional needs. In short, it’s all the little ways we take care of ourselves to avoid a breakdown in those respective areas of health.
You may find that, at certain points, the world and the people in it place greater demands on your time, energy, and emotions than you might feel able to handle. This is precisely why self-care is so important. It is the routine maintenance you need do to function your best not only for others, but also for yourself.
You may find that, at certain points, the world and the people in it place greater demands on your time, energy, and emotions than you might feel able to handle. This is precisely why self-care is so important. It is the routine maintenance you need do to function your best not only for others, but also for yourself.
CARING FOR THE CLERGY
Caring for Clergy: Understanding a Disconnected Network of Providers explores strategies to build a more connected network of clergy care providers. The network’s ministry strengthens congregations and has the capability to produce an exponential return for the kingdom of God.