In direct experience, it’s clear that this whole cosmic show is “not two.” No apparent thing can exist on its own; all apparent objects are interconnected–whether hard objects, such as planets and trees and squirrels who dash by my office, or soft objects, like thoughts and feelings. All ways, one undivisible whole.
So why is it, that self-care falls away? I steadily care for my lovely husband, our adult son who suffers from chronic pain, our elderly lame dog. Yet days can go by where I disregard aerobic exercise, stretching out and strengthening my overused shoulders, and fail remember to swallow supplements in support of those very shoulders. Stranger still, I neglect writing–the very source of passion and focus in my life.
Somehow, this neglect points to a subtle sense of separation–a “them” (worthwhile) and an “us” (to be taken for granted). As a dear friend-who-points in Eugene would say, “just to notice.”
© Amrita Skye Blaine, 2013
photo credit: Annular eclipse by NASA (link unavailable due to government shutdown…)
the heart of the matter 
Ah, so truly true. I’m in a time warp (pun intended) that you would very much appreciate. So glad to find your post!
Sent from my iPhone
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I go through periods when self care is a priority but notice there is also a subtle feeling of guilt associated with it…I should be doing other things (household chores mainly)..something more worthwhile. Never thought of it as a subtle sense of separation…thanks for this post!
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Guilty guilty guilty as charged, even down to the writing part which I too have been neglecting. Thank you for this reminder.
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