Devotion

Today we turn to the principle of Devotion. Devotion, by definition, is love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause. In practicing devotion we practice patience and presence, we become curious about others, something outside of or bigger than ourselves, and through this process, the practice becomes a form of worship. A form of observance to the collective.

Why this is significant right now is because as we witness our conversations (and even actions) driven by the anxieties of the present moment (crisis), we must allow room for questioning and curiosity. If we stay in a cycle of anxious dialogue, it keeps us from finding the more interesting and larger learnings from our surroundings and feelings. 
 
When we ask questions, we stay curious. We continue to learn and take a perspective that isn’t so ego driven. Through questioning, we remain a student, and it is then that we notice how much we are part of—we are a part of a whole, one organism, the organism that is human. We are all in this moment together, observing that our individual choices do impact everyone, teaching us that health for one is health for all. With this perspective, we can find solace in our connections. 

The Practice of Devotion | Lead with Questions 

To place this thinking into your own practice, we urge you to consider leading with questions to reach more rich dialogue and opportunities to learn and grow. Below are questions we are considering and offer to you at this time for yourself and in dialogue with others: 

• What am I noticing?

• What am I seeing that I didn’t see before?

• What is bringing me joy?

• What do I want to offer?

• How can I be of service?

• Who has shaped me to be the person I am today? (Have I let them know?)

• How do I want to emerge from this moment?

Additionally, be devoted to your own practice, as we mentioned in yesterday’s Daily Antidote, rituals and routines are grounding and bring us back to the present moment. Stay devoted to this form of worship, love, loyalty, and enthusiasm for yourself. Devotion to self is devotion to others.