"Growing up with a scarcity and love and care in our families, many of us are reluctant to be too generous or loving with ourselves. To be kind to ourselves seems self-centered and selfish. But love for ourselves and love for others are not mutually exclusive. A compassionate heart makes no distinction: You are a child of God, as I am a child of God, and we both need loving care. True love does not sacrifice others for our own needs - nor does it sacrifice ours for others. Loving kindness does not require that we decide who will be deprived; there is enough care for everyone. As Jesus said, "Go and learn the meaning of this: I desire mercy, not sacrifice."
From Wayne Muller's Legacy of the Heart:
"Growing up with a scarcity and love and care in our families, many of us are reluctant to be too generous or loving with ourselves. To be kind to ourselves seems self-centered and selfish. But love for ourselves and love for others are not mutually exclusive. A compassionate heart makes no distinction: You are a child of God, as I am a child of God, and we both need loving care. True love does not sacrifice others for our own needs - nor does it sacrifice ours for others. Loving kindness does not require that we decide who will be deprived; there is enough care for everyone. As Jesus said, "Go and learn the meaning of this: I desire mercy, not sacrifice."
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AuthorTarn Wilson is the author of the memoir The Slow Farm and numerous essays. You may read more of her work at tarnwilson.com. Archives
September 2020
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