I took care of women and their families for over 30 years as a Nurse Practitioner. As I journeyed deeper into my practice, it became more and more apparent how much we all need to become more aware of what is going on with us! And once we do pay attention to ourselves - we need to nurture a deep, abiding sense of kindness towards ourselves. As Pema Chodron, Buddhist monk & teacher says, “It is our lack of love for ourselves that limits compassion towards others. If we make friends with ourselves, then there is no obstacle to opening our hearts and minds to others.” As we learn mindful self-compassion for ourselves, it can also help sustain us in our work, our activism and organizing, our relationships and families and in our roles as parents or caretakers.