Time to beware

Abstract

When we are vulnerable, it’s time to be extra cautious. Physically or emotionally, there are times when we know we are not at our best. We may be in pain, fatigued, fearful, or just out of sorts. It is a “beware time.” Imagine yourself at your best, descending a set of stairs. You hop from step to step. You move quickly and confidently. You don’t even look at the steps. You don’t hold on to the banister. You are extremely confident and efficient. Now imagine yourself injured or in pain as you descend a set of stairs. You are cautious. You cling unsteadily to the banister for support. You move slowly, placing both feet on one step before you move to the next. You are tense as you hold tightly to the person you have asked to assist you. You don’t take your eyes off the danger, looking at nothing but the steps you need to tra­verse. You use all your diminished strength to keep from falling. Your heart is racing. We all have occasions to experience confident freedom and cautious fear. Like navigating the stairs when we are impaired, we need to know when we are especially vulnerable. Vulnerability can cloud our awareness and distract our atten­tion. We can be prone to losing our patience, our temper, our composure. We follow a protocol for protecting a physical injury; protecting our spirit can be just as important. Our vulnerabilities wax and wane. Being aware helps us move into caution mode for a time, taking care to protect ourselves until it passes. Acknowledging your own “beware time” can be like wrapping yourself in a layer of protective padding or using a periscope to check out any risks hiding in the periphery. Your “beware time” may pass quickly or may amount to nothing. But naming it and being extra gentle with yourself can be a nice oasis of self- care and self- knowledge.