Self care ➡️ community care 🫂

Poetry Oracle: Week of October 16th

Welcome back to the Self Love Confidential Poetry Oracle, where the universe sends you the message you need to hear right now by way of a poem from one of my books.

If you’ve been neglecting yourself while processing tragedy, this week’s Oracle is for you.

Self Love Poetry: For Thinkers & Feelers

For the last week, I’ve felt paralyzed. How can one write, or share, or even breathe in the face of so much tragedy? And yet, this is the poet’s work: to give words to the indescribable thoughts and feelings we collectively experience. While I’ve been unable to write something that rises to the magnitude of this moment, I can remember that now, ten days in, if the best I can do is drink a glass of water, it’s time to start nurturing myself and inviting you to do the same.

It may feel selfish to even consider yourself right now when so much suffering abounds. And yet if you don’t care for yourself, how will you begin to care for others when they need you most? While I don’t generally believe self care is about gathering the energy to take care of others, because self care is just as valid when only you are the intended beneficiary, lately I find myself thinking more and more about the importance of community care. How are we showing up for ourselves, yes, but today I also ask: how are we showing up for each other? And keep in mind — each other doesn’t just mean people who share your opinions or heritage.

A long cool drink of water, a slow walk in the emerging Fall, a deep breath in through your nose for four counts and out for four counts out, 24 hours off social media, a prayer and then another prayer, and then a tangible action of service. Today I hope you’ll do these things and remember how much you need and deserve them. Then go out and give someone a six-second hug. I have a feeling they need it as much as you do.