Nurturing

(Written in May 2008)
I went to Neskaya for potluck and women’s circle. We talked a lot about what activities nurture us. One of the things that became clear is it’s not always consistent, and the most important part is the capacity to be in the present with the activity, and be without a goal or agenda. Things on the list were meditation, dance, being in nature, good conversation with friends. Also housework (when done as meditation) and being with children. I didn’t mention typing up journals — that has more to do with keeping anxiety at bay — but sometimes it is nurturing. It’s the same for reading old journals. I realize that for me there’s a difference between comfort and nurture. When I’m triggered, I need comfort to be able to relax enough to take something in to the point that it can nurture me. Some activities can do both jobs — reading Elizabeth Goudge, being in nature. Circle Dance. Housework can only work when I’m already relaxed and able to be present to the present. (As opposed to being in shock, which is present to the frozen past or something like that.)