Is self-care OK when others are suffering?

So many of you responded to my December message (It’s December - Take a Breath). Thank you! I’m glad that it resonated, although I wish fewer of us felt overwhelmed.

Several of you also raised an important question about privilege and how we should think about our own needs in light of others’ suffering. I love the question, and I agree that it is important to understand ourselves in relation to our neighbors, both near and far.

Here’s my reflection on that question - and the paradox of loving both self and neighbor. (Spoiler: Compassion towards others starts with gentleness towards ourselves.)

P.S. Ask me another! Anonymous is fine.