Most of us understand the spiel we hear at the beginning of a plane flight. You know the one, “Put your own mask on, before helping others.” The intention is clear, you need to be capable of helping others and it is impossible to do if you are on the verge of passing out.
I often find myself in circumstances where my instinct to ease the suffering of a loved one overshadows what is going on in my own reality. So, I’ve learned to put on my “mask on first, or else” I will be unable to respond the way I want to. Once my mask is on, and I focus my attention, I ensure I’m in a good place.
Only then can I be prepared and ready to be present for my loved one. The practice of attention taught me it’s simply not possible to truly support someone else when you’re not ok. (Field Of Growth – Attention Practices, Introspection Habits, Narrative Mastery, Emotional Inquiry)