Hey lovely Reader
I recorded this week’s episode after a day of running errands, in preparation for The Weekend of No-Requirements, the retreat I’m hosting with Adam Lind. As I went about my day, I found myself wondering about this question of what it means to truly care.
Initially it was a reflection centred on the beautiful souls coming to the retreat, and on how I'd care for myself during the weekend... and (as these things so often do) it then expanded outward, and inward.
In the episode I followed the threads wherever they led me. Into the habits of care we may have absorbed as children, into what self care can look like when it isn’t one more thing on the list, and into a story from Elizabeth Gilbert that has stayed with me about what it means to give with an open hand - and how we can perhaps learn to receive in a different way.
As always, it’s unedited. It wanders, it doubles back, and at the very end someone arrived at the door and Ronnie (our equally mellow and enthusiastic cocker-poo) was determined I knew it. I like that you hear it just as it happened - it feels true to this (never-ending) practice of being with it all, with care.
Go straight to the episode (listen or watch) or just search Everyday Compassion with Henny Flynn (the new show name).
If something in it speaks to you, or sparks a question about the ways you give and receive care, I would love to listen.
May we all be safe, well and happy. May care be part of all our lives.
With love
PS: And a few gentle notes about what’s coming up:
- The Nervous System at Work- a four-week short course with my dear colleague Grace Loveday. Thursday lunchtimes, 75 minutes, beginning 5 November
- IMMERSE - my year-long small-group programme, with the new cohort, begins 20 November
- Launch event for my latest book - everyday compassion (365 days of ordinary kindness) - 1 November in Presteigne. If you’re anywhere near Ludlow, Leominster or the Welsh borders, you’d be so welcome. Just let me know if you'd like to join us.
Go straight to the episode: What does it mean to care? (S21E7) or search for the new show name 'Everyday Compassion with Henny Flynn' wherever you love to listen.