Attention is the rarest form of generosity.~Simone Weil
Take a few moments and put yourself first. What?!
You heard me.
I’m not talking about the self-absorbed me-only mentality that pervades life. I’m talking about the kind of self-love that is required for you to drop your blocks, your issues. Can you honestly say you’re in love with yourself?
Wanting to be the first in line, desiring to get one of the limited new iphones by standing in lines for hours, is not what this is about. Its abut paying yourself enough attention to get centered, calm, and in sinc with your spirit.
Do you stay calm amidst the storm of emotions that swirl around you? Are you constantly feeling like you have to explain yourself? Are you constantly defending yourself? If you are, you’re not in love with yourself. If so, you’re not comfortable being you.
When you can fall in love with yourself, when you can provide yourself the type of attention you need to offer yourself the understanding, care you need to feel whole, secure and loved, you can then begin to offer it to others. Attention is the rarest form of generosity and flattery.
I have a friend that says, “Don’t buy me presents. Spend 2 hours of your time with me.”
How lovely is that?
I’ve taken Simone Weil’s philosophy and adjusted it for you to assist yourself first, then others afterward. You’re no good to anyone else unless you are centered and in love with yourself first and foremost.
Weil’s life was marked by an exceptional compassion for the suffering of others. As early as the age of six, she refused to eat sugar after she heard that soldiers fighting in World War I had to go without. She died from tuberculosis during World War II, exacerbated by malnutrition after refusing to eat more than the minimal rations that she believed were available to soldiers at the time. This is not what you want to do.
By taking a path of self-love it spreads then to the attention and love of others. Simone Weil’s messages and writings did not attract much attention until after her death. Don’t let that happen to you. You are having a human experience here, now, so make the most of the time while its zipped into your body. Love and honor yourself. Offer yourself the attention you deserve. Then, go spend a quality 2 hour chat with someone you care about.