When I consider nourishing myself, I think of strengthening, stretching, and celebrating through activities and nonactivities that get easily pushed aside when I'm in my habitual, no-nonsense work" mode. I see these things as play, in the truest sense of the word. These activities feed my soul, and my body too.

What do you consider as play or nurturance? Here is my list today. Tomorrow it may be totally different. I share it as a way of encouraging you to write your own.

I am nurtured by:

• Long periods of silence
• Short periods of silence
• Exploring somewhere, with no agenda, with a child
• Creating a surprise treat for the children in my life
• Being alone in nature
• Taking an energetic hike on a cold day
• Dancing, nonstop, for half an hour or more
• Writing in my journal
• Writing a letter to Michelle or Brenda
• Having a picnic lunch, anywhere, with Lynn
• Sitting in the silent presence of my Teacher
• Traveling, especially to foreign countries
• Enjoying a planned evening at home with my husband, Jere
• Doing something specific and tangible to support a friend in need

P.S. As I look over this list, I am reminded of these many fine activities that give me strength, joy, and courage. I also see that I haven't done some of them in a long time. So, when you make your list, you might note when you last did the thing you listed. When you've completed and read over your list, resolve to do one of those things today. And how about doing another one tomorrow? —Regina

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