Self-Care is Self-Preservation

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” – Audre Lorde

Coping with the State of the World

These days, I find that I’m spending a lot of time talking with clients about the importance of self-preservation and how we can best cope with the state of the world right now. It’s not that the focus is new, per se, however it seems like more than ever it’s important to embrace self-care and self-preservation.

With so much happening in the world, from COVID-19 to the threats and killings of unarmed Black people, it seems more important than ever for us to cope with our current circumstances. While most of us have tools to cope during “normal” times, its seems more and more likely that we need self-care more than ever.

What is Self-Care REALLY?

If you take a step back from the glossy definition of self-care, you learn that it is really about physical and psychological self-preservation. Self-care is actually about doing what is necessary to stay as healthy as you can. Self-care is about maintaining a since of mental wellness amidst huge societal ills and disease. Without a doubt, that becomes infinitely more difficult in times such as these.

I’ve had more conversations recently with folks as they try to navigate what self-care looks like these days. Some people feel a lot of pressure to participate in protests and related activities but feel guilty for not feeling safe enough to put their minds and bodies at risk. This can lead to a lot of shame and guilt. It’s an ongoing struggle. But, there are plenty of ways to help us as a society advance. Sometimes, that starts with self-care and then extends outward.

As we head into Pride month with the United States under seige, I’m reminded of queer writer Audre Lorde’s infamous quote about self-preservation: ““Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” When your life, or the lives of your loved ones, is deemed as less valid how revolutionary is the act of self-care? How political does caring for your wellness become when the State sees nothing but danger in the color of your skin?

Caring and rest is political. It is VITAL. That’s not to say that those who are able among us should not use their current capacity to advocate, educate and inform. They should. We should! But, we each have to find our own way in advocating for change, should we believe it necessary.

My hope is that every person can find their way in doing so, whatever that looks like for you. But, let us never forget that love is always the answer and that starts with the love and care you give to yourself. There is no greater weapon for good.