Selfish v/s Self-centered

I’m a little late in posting this week because I’ve been Self-centered.  I felt the beginnings of something coming on a few days ago and made a conscious decision early on to explore a new approach in how I spoke, thought, and felt about it.  Instead of my typical, whiny “I don’t feel good,” complaints I chose to support my wellness.  I gave myself permission to pause.  I took time away from activities.  The *list* would wait.  Nothing on it was so critical that I couldn’t take care of me.

Sounds a little selfish when it’s said out loud but really it’s being Self-centered.  I responded responsibly from a centered place within myself.  A place of knowing it’s time to step back, to slow my pace, take it easy and take care of my physical body.  The chores could wait.  Self-centered self-care couldn’t.

While the dictionary defines both similarly I interpret Self-centered differently from selfish.  By Self I mean your higher self – not misidentifying who you really are with your ego and its myriad of roles in the drama of life.

When you’re centered on your Self you take full responsibility for your feelings, thoughts, words, actions, and NEEDS.  You aspire to reach your full potential.

Every moment is designed to support your expansion into a Self-mastered being.  ESPECIALLY the ones that call you to be still, be present, be at peace within your body … honoring, respecting, caring for, looking after, giving it the rest it needs.  The world will still be there when you emerge.

While it seems paradoxical you can be concerned about, loving, caring, and in service to others and still be Self-centered.  Being of service to others can be one of the most self-nurturing acts you do but that doesn’t mean sacrificing yourself to them.  That’s a topic for another post.

Today, take care of your-Self by listening … find the quite space within and listen to what your body is telling you.  How you feel – emotionally and physically – is your Self Guidance System.  Build a relationship with it, learn to trust the messages it sends you, and practice being Self-centered.