Care is our capacity to express the values of compassion, dignity, and respect to ourselves and to others (both human and more-than-human). It is the foundation of love, attachment, and belonging. Care is a deep concern and tending of the self, us, the others, and the bigger field. It can strengthen relationships, promote systemic sustainability, and lobby for just practices and policies.
Studies have shown that caring for others is beneficial to our well-being. It can lead to “reduced stress, increased happiness, and an increased sense of social connectedness”.
Care is also the bedrock for activism and altruism. It is the fundamental value that underlies our purpose, values, and our mission. Care is an essential component of societal values, moral leadership, and citizen responsibilities.
A caring individual, family, organization, community, and society tend to what matters most. When we care, we attend to what gives us meaning and purpose. It ensures that strengths are amplified, needs are fulfilled, and challenges are alleviated. Sufi leader Cheikh Bentounes thinks of humanity as one unique body, with our overall health connected to the health of all our body parts.
Our commitment to care for ourselves, for others, and for the planet ensures the health of all systems and therefore, our survival. Care is a crucial commitment in promoting healing-centered ecosystems.
BUT HOW DO WE EXPLORE CARE WITHIN OUR TEAMS, COLLABORATIONS, ORGANIZATIONS?
In this free resource, you will be guided by prompts and exercises to explore and deepen your understanding of CARE.
The intention is to revisit our understanding of CARE and what it means for our teams, collaborations, initiatives, and organisations so that we can share a common narrative and understanding in speaking about WHO WE CARE FOR, WHAT WE CARE ABOUT AND WHAT IS MADE POSSIBLE WHEN WE CARE.
You can download the full slide deck (43 pages) here.
You are allowed to use these prompts and resources for free. My wish is that you credit my work and where you derived the inspiration. If you are interested in having me facilitate this session with your group, connect with me and let’s explore possibilities.
If you find this process enlightening, or stirred deep reflections for you, feel free to connect and share with me. Words of affirmation are my love language and it deeply nourishes me to know that my work has contributed in stirring insights, change, or transformation.
*Hiraya Manawari,
Lana
*Ancient Tagalog phrase that means “Hope this comes to pass.”