Value

I don’t know if you know this or not (apparently I was absent on the day this was taught in school, and so I’ve had to learn it much later), but there is a very precise method for rendering something valuable, and I want to share it with you. (This is inspired by Joseph Campbell.)

Take the thing in question, and draw a circle around it.
Stand back, point to the circle, and say, “Everything in this circle is valuable.”

That’s it. It’s valuable because you say so. You get to decide for yourself what is valuable in your life — what takes up your time, absorbs your attention and employs your energy.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine that you have pens on your fingertips. As you inhale, float your arms out to the sides and then up overhead where your fingertips meet. On the exhale, allow your arms to float back down, drawing an imaginary circle around yourself. Repeat this a few times, and then bring your palms to meet at your heart’s center. In your mind’s eye, take a step back and see yourself sitting/standing there. Point to that encircled figure and declare, “Everything in this circle is valuable.”

You are valuable. Taking care of yourself is important because of your inherent value, because you’re worth it. But also taking care of yourself it vital for showing up in the world as a kind, aware, compassionate person. The value you assign yourself affects not only you, but also the energy and people around you, as well as the planet of which you are an integral part.

Who you are matters. The way you live your life matters. You are valuable. But my telling you this means nothing; it’s something you must decide for yourself, and then act in accordance.

What better time than the holiday season to remember the necessity of self care? Taking care of yourself is neither indulgent nor superfluous, but quite possibly the greatest contribution you can make, and definitely a worthwhile gift. In what ways are you taking care of yourself during the holidays?