We witness the world. We feel it. Our very bones remember what we have lived through. For survivors, these deeply stressful times can call forth one's own history of neglect, betrayal and vulnerability. It has become more, not less, difficult to cope as this pandemic, the brutality of war and racial injustice drag on. These extraordinary times create extreme responses—for worse and for better.

Sometimes we revert to the old demons we used in the past to survive, and the ways we shut out, shut down, or close off from the people or the solace we really need. The embedded past experience of anxiety and profound fear can bring us back to the anger or self contempt that mimic those who harmed us, or the lies they told us.

And this is the challenge of how we treat ourselves.

In times like these, it is amazing to witness the self-sacrifice and generosity others possess in the face of these difficult times. But truly, why is it so difficult for us to recognize that powerful aspect of kindness we ourselves possess for others. The programs embedded inside from the abuse often makes it hard to see ourselves, and all we are-- or why it is so vital to tend to our own time, boundaries and health we can truly make use of all we have lived through and all we have learned.

There is little more to say that we have not heard before about tending to ourselves. This is not just a bubble bath or vacation. It is an everyday practice that is easily neglected: simply resting, moving, eating something delicious and fresh, finding some joy in small things.

The world is with us. There is so much to attend to and so very much we want to fix. This is why these simple acts of kindness for ourselves are vital-- so that we can attend to what and who we truly care about.