Taking Care

Okay, this is a little different than my usual post, however, as we embark on 2012 I would like to share an idea with you that was presented to me tonight in my yoga class: Taking Care. You make take this post as a commentary, a philosophy or even a meditation, but I encourage you to take a few moments, let go of your daily anxieties and merely open your thoughts and mind.

As philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, givers, whatever label you choose to cling to, if you are reading this blog you likely belong to a group of people who inherently feel a responsibility to "take care." Often times this responsibility can feel overwhelming. From our loved ones, to the many issues facing our planet and society, never mind our own personal health and sanity, how can we possibly take care of it all? At times we get so wrapped up in this sense of responsibility we lose sight of the true cause, what truly sparked our passion in the first place.

Take a moment to breathe. Think about your breath and how it carries you through life. Even in the face of the greatest despair or disaster, our breath carries us through. We innately bear an incredible coping mechanism, a natural strength to withstand even the greatest challenges. In taking care of the world we must remember the world in turn is taking care of us.

As you look forward to the future and the challenges that stand before you, consider the grace of your breath. Rather than looking to fight or surmount life's challenges, set the foundation to open yourself up for grace. Grace of life, grace of humanity, grace of society, and the cyclical grace of nature which wants to support us in our quest to take care of ourselves and everything around us. Don't allow yourself to become discouraged by the nay-sayers, remember the origin of your passion, and stay present.

This year, I hope to face life's challenges with the grace of breath and the ever-present knowledge that a solution can exist if we allow ourselves to take care and in turn let nature and others reciprocate in taking care. Even though at times it may feel as if you alone are carrying the world on your shoulders, remember, the world is round and the earth in turn carries you.