I think the best form of self-care is to refine your intake filter. You’ve already got one. It’s the part of you that receives input of what you wish you were, what you wish you had, and what you hope will come to be. Valuing growth, change, progression, and the further development of your soul is good, but this can so easily become a source of anxiety than of pleasure and it’s a fine line. It’s why you scroll on tumblr, it’s why you shop, it’s why you listen to others’ opinions, etc. It’s the tension of being hopeful for growth, but content with the process. When we’re discontent with the process, I think this is the indicator that we need to refine our intake filter. Weed out the excessive bits, and keep what’s worthy of your time, your effort, and your passion. I think this is what Paul was getting at in Philippians 4:8. I think he’s talking about what I consider the intake filter. Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. He’s pointing out that it isn’t a lack of desire, but a selectivity of what you desire that’s important. This is self-care: to listen and to watch, and then to choose what to keep and what to toss out. This is how you grow–you don’t grin and bear it all, you don’t blindly swallow everything that’s put before you. No, you taste and you see, what to keep and what to set free. If you’re discontent, if you’re insecure, if you’re bored, if you’re tired, it may because you’re letting too much in. Paul knows what’s up because he emphasizes that we have a way with our mind instead of it having its way with us. You can choose what to dwell on, you can choose what to strive for, you can be selective, and I think that’s the best form of self-care.
L, thoughts of a therapist.
