Duty to Self

Duty is something we frequently associate with responsibility to other people. When we perform our duties, the purpose is usually to benefit someone else or something outside of our personal concerns.
 
We are often too preoccupied with the various roles that we need to fulfill. At times, this leave us feeling exhausted.
 
We often forget that the most important duty we have is to our self.
 
When we take care of our self, we take care of our most important tool and resource -our body and mind. Only if the mind and body are in their best condition are we truly in a position to fulfill our purpose and seek our highest potential.
 
If we were to think of our self as a machine, a well-maintained machine is efficient, resilient and produces the best results. Whereas a machine that is neglected will generate unpredictable results. Also, the neglected machine’s life span may be shortened by accelerated wear and tear.
 
How do we fulfill our duty to the self? 

We can start by reviewing our daily routines and by considering the simplest aspects of our lives such as eating, rest, sleep, recreation, schedules, routines, and the quality of our thoughts.
 
We can ask ourselves if our management of these areas of our life help us achieve our highest potential. If not, then what are the things that we tend to neglect? What changes for the better can we make?

When we start asking these questions, then we are on the road to fulfilling our duty to self.
 
Without first carrying out our duty to self, every other duty we perform becomes less meaningful. 

 
#dharma