Pretty big calf isn't it! I guess we never get too big to want to be cared for. Truth is, when we get old enough we need to learn to find ways to care for ourselves. Some of us start much earlier than others for conditions beyond our control. When we have independent natures, we can add some anger and we have, "I WILL take care of myself." This week in a quiet time, I was contemplating the concept of the earth being our Mother and her taking care of us. The image of a large figure made of sand that came up from the bed of a creek was coming to my mind's eye wanting to hold me. I quickly felt an inner resistance and the thought came, "I have to take care of myself". She slowly sat down in cross legged fashion with a beautiful smile and said, "I'm not taking care of you - I'm giving care to you and you would be wise to learn to GIVE care to yourself rather than the way of saying that you will TAKE care of yourself. Can you feel the difference?" I pondered the idea for a minute and began to have those gentle tears of gratitude that come from seeing and experiencing things differently - "I will give care to myself". Just saying GIVE instead of TAKE. How gentle it sounded, how loving. Yes, I will learn to give care to myself rather than take care of myself!
What a beautiful way of caring for others too - to give care to them rather than the burden of 'taking' care of them. Once again, Boullie is still here and I am needing to give him more care at this time - what an honor and gift! May we transfer this kindness to ourselves............to give care rather than take care. So next time you are going to take a nap - try saying I will give myself some rest!
Thanks for sharing that, Mary!
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