I travel by airplane several times a year, and at the beginning of every flight, the flight attendants give the pre-flight safety instructions. I remember one of the first times I traveled without my family. As the flight attendant explained how to use the oxygen masks, she said, “If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask first, and then assist the other person.”
Hearing this, I thought, “What? No way! I would put the mask on my children first!”
But after thinking about it for a moment, I realized something obvious: If I passed out from a lack of oxygen, I wouldn't be much help to anyone!
This simple instruction offers an important lesson about taking care of ourselves and others.
I often tell a story about two acrobats. One was an older man who had little money and whose wife had died many years earlier. The other was Sarah, a young girl who was his student. They were street performers who made just enough money to get by.
Their act was unusual. The teacher would balance a tall bamboo pole on his head while Sarah slowly climbed to the top. Once she reached the top, she remained still as the teacher walked. Both had to concentrate intently to maintain their balance and avoid an accident.
One day, the teacher said to Sarah, “I will watch you, and you watch me. That way, we can help each other maintain our concentration and balance and prevent an accident.”
But Sarah offered a different perspective.
“Teacher, I think it would be better for each of us to watch ourselves. If we each take care of ourselves, we will take care of each other. That way, I am sure we will avoid any accidents.”
Sarah understood something important. By each taking responsibility for their own balance and concentration, they could create the conditions for both of them to succeed.
The same is true in our lives.
There are many benefits to meditation, but one of the most important is that it helps us bring clarity to our lives and become more available to others.
When we take the time to sit quietly, look within, and let go of our constant mental chatter, we begin to see things more clearly. We become less caught up in our thoughts, judgments, and reactions. We can return to the present moment with greater awareness and respond to our lives as they actually are.
This clarity doesn't end when we get up from the meditation cushion. We bring it into our relationships, our work, and our everyday responsibilities. We become better able to listen, recognize what is needed, and respond with wisdom and compassion.
Taking care of ourselves isn't about withdrawing from the world or putting our own needs above everyone else's. It's about developing the clarity and awareness that allow us to meet the world more fully.
Ultimately, there is no separation between ourselves and the people around us. When we take care of ourselves, we are also taking care of the world. And when we take care of the world, we are taking care of ourselves. In fact
So the next time you sit down to meditate, remember the two acrobats. Don't practice just to make yourself feel better. Practice so that you can meet this moment clearly and be fully present for whatever life asks of you.
To take care of yourself is to take care of others.