Care as an Amulet Against Cruelty

I’ve wanted to offer a gift for today, heading into the inauguration here in the United States and knowing that this time is so tender and troubling for many, many reasons. Like many of you, I am stretched so far and feeling so thin that I haven’t pulled off my gifting hopes. But I have been playing with the word and learning more about CARE, because I hope care will be a balm for these times.

Here’s my word play. A poem perhaps? Maybe this feels like a soft landing or a firm hug? I’d like to offer both. Maybe this inspires connection and invites more care today and going forward? I’d like us to center care.

May we tend to CARE.
Give care. 
Take care.
Reciprocate care.
Care for and from the self.
Care beyond self.
Care with community.
Care for and from and with the earth.
Care when others don’t.
Care for what matters.
Care for each other. 
Care not only for health and wellness but for protection and provision too.
Care through attention and action, through steadfastness and solidarity.
Care for all concerned.
Care beyond concern.
Care to have a care.
Practice care as an amulet against cruelty.

I share a lot of love with these hopes for more care-full being, doing, and relating.

If you’d like to connect in community, writing groups are beginning this week too. Candace and I would love to write with you. We’re in both groups (Wednesday and Fridays), along with amazingly generous writers who co-create the space. And we so appreciate referrals! Please invite the writers in your life. <3

Also, like many of you, I am considering how to move differently with social media, and I so appreciate connection through my newsletter. If you aren’t already subscribed, you can do so here. This is will be more key than ever going forward.

Wishes for care of all kinds, from all directions, especially now,

Beth

—
Beth Godbee, Ph.D. (she/her)
Heart-Head-Hands: Everyday Living for Justice