Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

On days when life gets overwhelming, I dream of leaving it all behind and going somewhere to nurture my soul and my dreams. A place where responsibility to family, work, and home can be forgotten; a place where I can explore and try on new identities and ways of being; a place where no one has any expectations for me.

Recently, I imagined taking part in an internship opportunity offered by the Society of Saint John the Evangelist. Setting aside the fact that I am outside of the desired age range, the opportunity to participate in the Brother’s daily rhythm of prayer and work, to live for a time in intentional service to God’s Mission, and live what appeared to be a simpler and slower life appealed to me.

In reality, leaving ‘it’ all behind is not easy. Instead, I seek out moments to refresh and renew each day: Getting outside for a walk. Meditating. Spending time with friends. Working in my garden.

The hardest part? Getting out the door for that walk, moving away from the computer to meditate for 10 minutes, picking up the phone to schedule a get-together with a friend. Despite my best intentions, I often fail in my attempt to follow through on my instinct towards self care.

Why is it so hard for me to move from intention to action when it comes to taking time for myself? Why do I feel vaguely guilty for taking time during the workday to refresh and renew?

Perhaps you’ve asked yourself similar questions. What strategies have you adopted that support your need for self care? How do you encourage the people you are in relationship with to pay attention to their own needs for refreshment and renewal?