Taking care of oneself
Must be patient with oneself, remembering that even the Prophets of God sometimes got tired and cried out in despair[edit]
"We must not only be patient with others, infinitely patient!, but also with our own poor selves, remembering that even the Prophets of God sometimes got tired and cried out in despair!"
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 22 October 1949, Unfolding Destiny, p. 456)
Bahá'ís Must Avoid Depleting Their Forces and Suffering Breakdowns[edit]
"...The Bahá'ís, in spite of their self-sacrificing desire to give the last drop of their strength to serving the Cause, must guard against utterly depleting their forces and having breakdowns. For this can sometimes do more harm than good, because they are so bound up in the lives of others....
"There is no doubt that there is vicarious atonement for others, and our sufferings sometimes can be in the nature of a sacrifice accepted for others. But where to draw the line is a mystery. If you take better care of your own health, and build up your reserves, it would certainly be better for you and for your work. Then your sensitive, yearning heart, although you may still often suffer for and with others, will be better able to withstand its trials, and you will not get so exhausted, which is certainly no asset to your work for the Cause."
- (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, October 25, 1949, in Lights of Guidance, no. 941)
[edit]
"There is no object in over-taxing your will power and strength by forcing yourself to do things for the Cause. You should let your mind rest in the thought of the infinite love, mercy and forgiveness of Bahá'u'lláh, and cease to fret about whether you are or are not doing your share until you fully recover your health--and evidently you already are on the road to recovery!"
- (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, March 26, 1945; in Lights of Guidance, no. 951)
The Body is Like a Horse that Carries the Personality and Spirit[edit]
"...you should not neglect your health, but consider it the means which enables you to serve. It--the body--is like a horse which carries the personality and spirit, and as such should be well cared for so it can do its work! You should certainly safeguard your nerves, and force yourself to take time, and not only for prayer and meditation, but for real rest and relaxation."
- (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, November 23, 1947, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1013)
Protect Your Health by Sleeping Enough[edit]
"Regarding your question: There are very few people who can get along without eight hours sleep. If you are not one of those, you should protect your health by sleeping enough. The Guardian himself finds that it impairs his working capacity if he does not try and get a minimum of seven or eight hours."
- (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to two believers, September 15, 1952, in Lights of Guidance, no. 990)
Do not overtax strength[edit]
"I grieve to learn however of your recent illness, and entreat you not to overtax your strength, and to rest as completely and as long as possible. The Cause stands in dire need of servants and promoters such as your dear self. I will pray for your complete recovery from the depths of my heart."
"The Guardian was also very glad and deeply comforted to learn that your health is improving, and that gradually your energy is being restored. He wishes you to be very careful not to overtax your strength, and take all the necessary measures for your speedy and complete recovery. His prayers on your behalf will continue to be offered to Bahá’u’lláh, that He may strengthen you, and keep you as ever active in His Faith."
Rest as completely and as long as possible to recover from illness[edit]
"I grieve to learn however of your recent illness, and entreat you not to overtax your strength, and to rest as completely and as long as possible. The Cause stands in dire need of servants and promoters such as your dear self. I will pray for your complete recovery from the depths of my heart."
Take all necessary measures for speedy and complete recovery from illness[edit]
"The Guardian was also very glad and deeply comforted to learn that your health is improving, and that gradually your energy is being restored. He wishes you to be very careful not to overtax your strength, and take all the necessary measures for your speedy and complete recovery. His prayers on your behalf will continue to be offered to Bahá’u’lláh, that He may strengthen you, and keep you as ever active in His Faith."
"I grieve to learn that you have not yet fully recovered and I urge you to abide by the doctor’s instructions and to take whatever measures are necessary for the complete and speedy restoration of your precious health."
Take good care of oneself (after a recovery brought on by a vacation)[edit]
"Shoghi Effendi was so glad to receive your letter of April 18th and to learn of your improved health and that you had gone to Mt. Abu for a vacation. You should take good care of yourself for the work that awaits you."
Take utmost care of health[edit]
"He is much relieved to learn of your improving physical condition, and he would strongly urge you to take the utmost care of your health which is such a real asset to the Cause in India."
"I am deeply sorry to hear of your continued ill-health and wish you to concentrate for the present on the ways and means that enable you to recover fully and speedily and resume your valued labours for the spread of the Cause."
Consider keeping in best physical condition a chief responsibility (as asset to the Cause)[edit]
"May I also assure you once more of his prayers for the speedy and complete recovery of your health. It is such an asset to the welfare and safety of the Cause in India, that you should consider it to be your chief responsibility to do all that you can in order to keep it in the best condition possible."
Need to rest and repose; after a long walk, one must be seated and take some rest[edit]
"Now you have to rest and repose for some time and let your strength and breath be renewed. When a bird has been soaring in the air for a long time, it has to come down and rest for a while; after a long walk one must be seated and take some rest."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahai News, vol. 1, p. 8)
Incidental references[edit]
- Taking care of oneself/Incidental (more minor and incidental references)
