Establishing Firm Intent to Care

I have found that establishing a firm intent to care as my core purpose, and then returning to that core throughout each day, helps me engage in sustained caring over the long term. This primary focus simplifies my Caritas Practice and facilitates continuous care-based problem-solving and responses for the myriad of things that cross my path on any given day. If I forget my core caring intent and become focused on task completion rather than core purpose, then my day becomes a stressful race to complete as many things as possible, rather than a meaningful contribution of caring and wisdom where it is needed most. There will always be an overabundance of tasks. Core caring intent helps to put them into perspective and enables wise prioritization. My own core caring intent is nurtured and strengthened through the following practices:

1.     Attending to my own mind-body-spirit needs throughout each day. I cannot genuinely care for others if I have not first cared for myself.

2.     Considering each human interaction, whether face-to-face or in the digital realm, as an opportunity for transpersonal connection and higher purpose.

3.     Cultivating awareness of my deep connection to all that is around me, both in my immediate surroundings and in the digital realm, and realizing that my thoughts, actions, and attitudes truly affect everyone and everything in widening ripples of influence like a pebble dropped into a pond.

4.     Remembering that my own flawed humanity, offered with wisdom, confidence, courage, honesty, and love, is one of the best gifts I can give.

The heart image is created by TheUjulala from Pixabay