Take Care

Take Care
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"It was so great to see you again. I hope we can have a good time next
time we get together."

"Well thank you so much. Take care."
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This seems like a formality in modern times that we tend to forget
about. We say "take care" as almost a period to a statement. Sometimes
we just use it as an unconscious regurgitated platitude. Nothing
necessarily wrong with that, but if we are attentive with what "take
care" and or "taking care" actually means, we can start to understand
the importance of it.

Sometimes we take things for granted. We take care of things that we
see as benign, complacent and arduous. Those things that we see as the obligatory adult banes of our existence. We overlook the fact that the small tasks we feel we are obligated to do in our life are a struggle and momentousness pillars of pain in between events we look forward to
in life.

Let's look at an example.

When we need to do laundry, do the dishes, clean the kitchen, or even
tidy up our spaces, we almost dread and compartmentalize these
seemingly mundane tasks spread out across our ideal week or days. This
surely would make our lives so much easier if we could get someone
else to do these chores, wouldn't it?

If we can take a step back and unhook the inflammatory hook of
obligation and tedium, we can see that these seemingly menial tasks
are a great necessity and addition to our lives.

What if we were to stop compartmentalizing these tasks and actually
looking forward to doing them?

Not rushing to "complete" them.
Not rushing to finish them so we can do what we so desire.

These small tasks and chores are ways of us showing love and taking
care of our surroundings. These small actions help us to return to the
moment, give us a sense of purpose and connect us to the immense
gratitude threaded between us.

What if we were to see these small necessities of maintenance and
upkeep as part of our magnificent life? What if we were to integrate
them? Pay attention to them. Look forward to getting better at these
tasks.

What if we took "taking care" literally and to heart?

Taking care is taking time.
Taking time is making time.

The careful deliberation of doing things with ease. Trusting the
process along the way.

The way you make your bed ( if you make it ) would turn into somewhat
of a dance and an entry point to a portal of presence.

The way you go to check your mail would turn into somewhat of a
walking meditation. Paying attention to each step. Breathing.
Anticipating the fact that there may not be anything for you.

These small self perceived menial tasks are the glue that holds
together the fabric of our being and our ability to be compassionate,
present and attentive. These small chores are potential reflections of
our gratitude. Our willingness to show appreciation for the things
around us. The willingness to be content with our discontent and do
the things that need to be done no matter what mood we are in or what
attitude we are projecting.

We can take care with intention and conviction. No longer will that
phrase be a seemingly empty and unconscious gesture. No longer will
you see the small things as dreadful sparks of anxiety.

When you can relax and accept the necessary responsibilities, you can
learn to flow with the uncertainty and routine of life. You can learn
to fail at the things that aren't working out for you. You can stop
slow down and try again.

Sweep slower with intention.
Clean the pesky and crusty dishes with conviction and determination.
Put those tight jeans on with big bodily breaths and crooked smiles.

Be all in for every minute task.

With that attentiveness, you can improve. Improve your sense of being
and contentment. Improve your willingness to not struggle with what
is.

Take care of what needs to be done with the immense gratitude that you
are able to do it with the vigor of a lion and the quiet patience of a
tortoise.

DG