The Shimmering Elegance of Being: Self-Care as an Act of Mastery and Respect
Years ago, while participating in a meditation workshop, I had a profound realization. I became viscerally aware that my being—this intricate, alive synthesis of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions—was more exquisite than any instrument ever conceived by humans. In that moment, I saw myself as a shimmering instrument, a living symphony of possibilities, far beyond even the most masterful craftsmanship of any object.
The epiphany struck me: if I had the privilege of caring for a Stradivarius, how would I treat it? A Stradivarius is one of the most precious instruments on Earth, often valued at over $10 million. I wouldn’t leave it in a damp basement, nor would I let it gather dust in neglect. I would handle it with reverence, clean it regularly, keep it in an optimal environment, and ensure it received the finest care available.
Yet, in that same moment in the workshop, I realized I had seldom treated my own being with the same care. Here I was, a being infinitely more exquisite than a Stradivarius—a creation imbued not just with form and resonance, but with life, consciousness, and spirit—often treating myself like a plastic kazoo.
That moment changed me.
The Art of Caring for the Instrument of Being
I began to ask myself: what would self-care look like if I approached it as a musician would care for their most cherished instrument? What practices could match the elegance of this living “Stradivarius” I carry with me every day?
First, I thought of the basics:
Tuning the Body: Just as a violin must be kept in perfect tune, so too must our bodies. For me these days, this means a grain-free, high-protein vegan diet, regular movement to maintain strength and flexibility, and rest that allows my body to regenerate. Every meal and every workout has become a way to care for the physical dimension of my being. More recently, applying to myself the very somatic energy practices in which I guide my clients has helped to dislodge old stuck energies that have clouded my experience over the decades.
Polishing the Mind: Like the varnish on a violin, the mind must be kept clear and reflective. Meditation became not just a practice, but a daily polishing of the lens through which I see the world. I recognized that my thoughts, like a bow drawn across strings, produce the music of my reality. To care for my mind is to ensure the music I create is harmonious, not discordant.
Resonating with the Heart: The emotional dimension of being is the resonance chamber of the human instrument. I began to listen deeply to my feelings, not as obstacles to overcome, but as notes to be played, vibrated, and expressed. Whether through journaling, creative expression, or connection with loved ones, I made space for my heart’s music to be heard.
Attuning to the Spirit: The spirit is the breath of the bow, the animating force that gives life to the notes. For me, this meant creating practices of gratitude, awe, and wonder—spaces where I could remember that I am part of something larger, infinite, and sacred.
The Practice of Reverence
This revelation also shifted my relationship with the world. A musician who reveres their instrument treats it not as an object, but as a partner in creation. Likewise, I began to see my own being as not merely me, but as a co-creation with life itself.
When I feel resistance to self-care, I remind myself of the absurdity of handing a Stradivarius to a toddler or neglecting its needs. How could I, the caretaker of this unparalleled instrument that is me, do any less for myself?
This practice of reverence also invites me to listen more deeply. Like any instrument, the human being communicates its needs. The body whispers through sensation, the heart through emotion, the mind through thought, and the spirit through longing. When I am quiet enough to listen, I hear these signals and respond not out of duty, but out of love.
Beyond the Individual
This realization extends beyond self-care into how I see others. Each person I meet is their own shimmering, elegant instrument. Some may be out of tune, others poorly cared for, but all carry the same luminous potential. To treat others with kindness and patience is to honor their inherent magnificence, even when they cannot see it for themselves.
As a psychologist, this awareness shapes my work with clients. I am not helping them “fix” their lives; I am partnering with them to tune, polish, and care for the extraordinary instruments they are. As a musician, this awareness deepens my artistry, reminding me that the most profound music is created not with the hands, but with the whole being.
Conclusion
If you are reading this, I invite you to pause for a moment and consider: what if you treated yourself as the Stradivarius you truly are? What if every act of self-care became a gesture of reverence, a way of honoring the elegance of your being?
We are each more exquisite than the finest violin, and our music—our life—is played in every moment. Let us care for ourselves as the shimmering, living instruments we are, and in doing so, create a symphony of lives well-lived.
