Coming into love for self is a challenge, for most of we have been taught that to consider self as deserving or sacred is selfish …. that we ought to think of others before self.

As the training goes, and as experience tells us, when we deplete our inner resources by constantly filling anothers cup (or others), our own cup becomes depleted.

From a state of depletion, depression occurs, anger happens, even hopelessness …..

The selfless, nurturing the selfish …. it is a form of vampirism that we all participate in, or have at one time.

The human must do what is necessary to ensure the personal, inner cup always be in a state of overflow in order to share, and fill, others cups.

This means self-care is crucial to our existence. Self-love, self-respect, self-care …. taking time with GAIA … she always replenishes us.

Spending time in prayer … not as the church teaches it … but as our Soul and Spirit call us to do.

Yesterday I spent my day drumming, singing and dancing … men played out the heartbeat, drumming in unison, women stood behind them as all sang prayers to Creator for the health, happiness and well-being of our brothers and sisters, our family.

The energy was high, my body electrified as I danced around the drummers and singers, lifting the prayers to Creator, to the very heavens and all who hear.

We shared a community meal, we spoke to each other in a soft way, we listened to each other, leaving behind the chaos of the city … of the square world … and we spent the day in sacred union, one with another, in love, care, compassion.

Release was shared, and blessings given. Two exchanged feathers and their relationship will be observed by the family (all members) for one year and at the end of this time, if everyone approves of their care for one another, they will be wed in the sacred ceremony of the Cherokee.

Observe to what you apply your attention and energy to.

Ask yourself:

Will this situation benefit from my sacred care and contribution for wellness, for happiness?

Or will the receiver use it up and demand more without care or reciprocation?

Our time and attention are the currency of our Spirit, our Soul. It is the most precious gift you can impart to this world and life within it.

Be certain you pay yourself first.

Your cup must remain full, your mind, body, spirit and soul requires that you care for self prior to assisting others … if not, your capacity to do good dwindles, and you become vulnerable to all the negative side effects of an empty cup.

Do not think that someone will come along and fill it for you.

This is our personal responsibility.

So I implore you …. practice self-love and self-care.

Helping others will be so much easier and more powerful when you have plenty to share … and remember … self-care, self-love, is a continuous, evolving process.

It is time to develop new, healthier habits.

Release the old ways … recognize the Sacred in you.

Practice forgiveness for self and others.

Begin again.