Tuesday Truths: Self-Care

The mission of Borderlands UU in a nutshell is: To Care. We care for our spiritual home, for one another, for our community, and for our souls. Our vibrant ministries carry this out in Institutional Stewardship, Inreach, Outreach, and Spiritual Nourishment programing. Yet, none of this is possible if we do not invest time and energy in self-care. 

Self-care isn't selfish, rather it is a practical wisdom that each of us needs to tend to our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. We do this in order to be healthy and whole as well has have the personal resources to bring our gifts and service together to achieve our BUU mission. We practice self-care so that BUU can care. 

This week, we ask our Members, Friends, and Guests to name their self-care practices, which will then be shared here on this page. 

Members, Friends, and Guest Replies

Walking in nature, absorbing the beauty around me, and listening to the birds brings a sense of joy, gratitude, and well being to my life. And now I have a new walking companion! Little Alliyah, a 9-year-old Chihuahua, moved in 3 days ago. She is very shy, but gradually we're bonding and I believe we are a good match. My hope is that we will get better and better at listening to and meeting one another's needs.
- Jean Richon

There are two significant ways I practice self-care daily, and they involve a walk or a hike or a game of golf with friends in Nature, taking the beauty that surrounds me. Gratitude fills this space and time. The other experience that nurtures my soul is being in connection with people who care: friends, family, community, both reaching out and being available when someone else offers the invitation We need each other. Listening with curiosity and care leaves me feeling more fully alive. Being listened to fills me with gratitude.
- Jeanne Macauley

I eat my vegetables and fruits, limit sweets, exercise with caution, due to my arthritic knee problem. Spend time with friends every day ( distancing of course) and call family and friends. Just talking with them makes me feel better about myself. I listen to music and sing every day without fail.
- Dorothy McKenna

Taking time to listen to my favorite music. Absorb nature in our backyard. Stay connected with good friends using Zoom, text and phone calls. Limit my news intake. Keep an ongoing notebook of short-stories and poems I have written. Yoga!
- Michael Karl

I joined a zoom yoga class that meets twice a week to try and recover the flexibility I have been losing while staying at home. Am reading a novel by Urrea for diversion and "See No Stranger" by Valerie Kaur for development. Meeting with five other women in a shady place every week brings some real connection and laughter. BUU Sunday service re-grounds me.
- Barbara Lemmon

Daily walks in nature, noticing the flora and fauna, and feeling grateful to be in the Sonoran desert.. Also a socially distanced cup of coffee with a neighbor lady. I need girlfriends (one of many things I've learned during Covid time). I wore a mask at Safeway, and used hand sanitizer before driving home, washed my hands upon entering the house.
- Judy Harmer

Bought a new furnace and heat pump! Now going to get a free pumpkin latte eat a special place in Sisters!
​- Sue Edgerton