This week I’ve felt stretched thin—waking up earlier and heading to bed later than I’d like. One moment, I’m reviewing students’ midterm portfolios. The next, I’m scripting a hard conversation. While attending to microaggressions and facilitating tricky online and in-person conversations, I’m also sharing hopeful-yet-emotional announcements with family, friends, colleagues, and students.
In the midst of such frenzied and frenetic activity, I’ve been finding support through everyday practices and joyful reminders that past-me put in place for present-me. To give a sense of what I mean, here are some views into what’s keeping me grounded in gratitude this week:
For re-centering and re-committing —

My practice space: yoga mats, blocks, and foam roller.
For doing self-inquiry as a daily practice —

Journal for the 40-day Lent practice I’m leading for a local, predominantly-white church on “Building Resilience for Racial Justice.”
For healing the cold that’s been holding on —

“Initial Defense” herbs recommended by my acupuncturist.
For everyday divination —

Divination apps I use for guidance throughout the day.
For a breakfast that feels decadently sweet —

Banana, chocolate, and peanut butter mash.
For inspiration and imagination of the “ought to be” —

Books I have positioned around the house for visible inspiration, even when not reading.
For prioritizing art and play —

My coloring book and some recent creations.
For remembering the love of family and friends —

Kitchen wall with photos, poetry, artwork, and prayer flags.
Certainly, there are other snapshots I might take, but these are a few for which I feel particular gratitude. And slowing down enough to recognize and experience gratitude is its own sort of healing, energizing practice.
I’m curious: How do you create support for those times when stretched thin? Perhaps this post gives some ideas, and I hope you’ll share additional suggestions through comments.
With gratitude and love! ~ Beth
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This post is written by Beth Godbee for Heart-Head-Hands.com. For more posts like this one, you might try “Exploring Exhaustion and Energy Loss,” “Gratitude for/on Earth Day,” and “Imperfect Meditation and the Desire to ‘Slow Way Down.’” Please also consider following the blog via email. Thanks!
Thank you, Beth, for your gentle suggestions on self-care. I came down with a cold this week, and I sense that it came from my immune system dropping its guard after emotional upset. I am ever aware how much I need these meditative and therapeutic practices. I appreciate your showing us what you do in words and images.
Anne, thanks so much for your message. I’m sending healing energy. I can relate about the cold and emotional upset. As you can tell from this blog post, I’ve had a cough hanging on, so I’m asking the cold/cough what it has to teach me … I send love, always. ~ Beth