“My Commitments to Myself” by Laura “Luna” Mancuso

I take care of myself first, because I am deserving of exquisite care.

I take care of myself to maintain the capacity to help others.

I move and stretch my body every day.

I spend time in nature, attuning my senses to the earth's wisdom.

I ration my daily exposure to the news.

I identify and access credible sources of information.

I protect myself from becoming overwhelmed by information about the pandemic.

I pace myself.

I sit with the reality of uncertainty and impermanence,

and allow it to temper my desire for control.

I listen without judgment to others' reactions, which may be different from mine.

I forgive myself and others when stress brings out our shadow selves.

I feel fear fully when I am fearful.

I experience sadness fully when I am sad.

I allow anger fully when I am angry.

I relish joy fully when I am joyful.

I seek out healthy pleasures and indulge in them without guilt.

I remind myself that feelings are transient states that move through me.

They do not last. And they do not define me. Nor do my thoughts.

I balance my drive for self-improvement with compassionate acceptance

of myself as I am right now.

I initiate contact with loved ones to let them know I hold them in my heart.

I seek out, with increased sensitivity, those who are the most vulnerable.

If possible, I share my resources with those who need help to survive.

When possible, I move away from people, situations, and experiences

that do not serve my highest good.

I strengthen my connection to my sources of spiritual strength

so that I continue to be replenished.

I acknowledge the nearness of death as a key motivator for living a full life.

I pray for the suffering of all beings to cease.

I grieve my losses and celebrate my successes.

I remain open to new ways of being, surprising sources of joy,

and unanticipated discoveries every day.

—4/11/20