Caring for Self

As we embrace these difficult times, we are committed to our mission to be the compassionate presence of Jesus to one another. We remember that Jesus called for people to love their neighbors as themselves. Jesus recognizes the importance of love of self, which is expressed through caring for oneself. This invites each of us to reflect on how we care for ourselves.

Mindfulness

One way to care for self is through mindfulness, which affects mind, body, and spirit. In preparation for engaging in practices of mindfulness, read a definition of mindfulness from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley as well as watch how mindfulness impacts your body in the two-minute video: “How Does Meditation Change the Brain?” by Scientific American.

Strengthen your mindfulness through daily practice and exercise

Try one or more of the following practices regularly to deepen a habit of mindfulness:

• Catholic Health Association’s “Pause. Breathe. Heal.” meditation videos (pause for a couple of minutes):

  • Be Still

  • I Will Not Be Afraid

  • You Are Our Refuge

• Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) meditations:

  • Mindful Breathing

  • Body Scan Meditation

  • Raisin Meditation

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