Perhaps this is
a somewhat dramatic way of underlining the importance of self-care, but I think it useful as a means of conveying
just what is at stake when we neglect our body, mind, spirit and soul: vitality,
basic happiness and the ability to take any real pleasure in life.
Preservation and
care of self, therefore, is a basic responsibility.
Which brings me
to, what I see, as the central tenant of the art of self-preservation—the
importance of making pleasure a prime value, a component of spiritual practice.
After all, what
is the point in life if we don’t enjoy our lives while we’re here? This seems
pretty basic to me—reasonable even. I want to enjoy myself while I’m here.
So think about
pleasure, what pleases, nourishes and provides a deep sense of enjoyment and satisfaction. For me this becomes more
apparent when I’m in a state of presence.
Which is to say, I understand a heightened awareness of the
experience of the food I eat, the places I frequent, the clothes I wear, and the things I do, as opportunities for getting in touch with what
provides pleasure, nourishment and enjoyment, and what does not.
So, learn
to pay closer attention, to be more discerning.
The way things
feel, smell, sound and look all influence our experience of life, and exist as potential
sources of soul food. By becoming more aware and honouring what resonates deep
in the recesses of our being, we increase our enjoyment and pleasure of life.
And remember,
this isn’t about escaping reality, this is simply about making the most of the life we've been given. This is all we really know
anything about at the end of the day anyway.
Practicing the
art of self-preservation requires being open and receptive to life. It means eating your salad as much for the pleasure one can take
from tasting the dressing and crunching on the freshness of the greens, as the company you’re with and the environment you're in.
Choose to care. Enjoy your life.
It’s a gift.
