Being a caregiver is a hazardous occupation, whether it’s a chosen helping profession or a family responsibility that’s chosen you. 43.5 million American adults, (17% of the workforce) are caring for another ill or disabled adult and these caregivers are at risk for more serious health problems in comparison with people who don’t have such responsibilities. Research continues to document the frequency of “burnout” and “compassion fatigue” for persons in the helping professions while self-care continues to be all but neglected in the professional programs that train them. Stillpoint is a comprehensive guide offering caregivers permission to become attuned to their own needs while caring for others. The artistic approach of these two dancing social workers encourages and provides the reader with numerous ways to pay attention to the somatic self – the body as perceived from the inside. The stories, whimsical songs, poems, quizzes, meditations, and affirmations can aid professional and family caregivers alike in unlearning self-defeating habits and changing mindsets to include themselves in their wholehearted caring. Tools for self-healing are also offered along with resources and sample rituals to transform both careers and caregivers. "Millions of adults (therapists, professional helpers, caregivers, family members, etc.) must actively embrace self-care and attune to their own needs in order to be fully present for others. Bravo to the re-publication of Stillpoint and kudos to all caregivers!" - Ilana Rubenfeld, Founder of the Rubenfeld Synergy Method and author of The Listening Hand: Self-Healing Through The Rubenfeld Synergy Method of Talk and Touch "Healthcare professionals are facing a self-care crisis; burnout, compassion fatigue, addiction, and suicide are on the rise. In Stillpoint, Sheila and Christine have laid out a clear path to healing, allowing people to reclaim their right to self-care. My research in self-compassion has taught me that how we relate to ourselves is critical to our well-being as caregivers. I'm glad to see the latest research being put into a form that is a joy to implement." -Cynthia Phelps, PhD, entrepreneur, founder, InnerAllies, LLC "Having worked for over fifty years with hundreds of women as they have provided care for family members, I value this book. With so many demands upon families these day, as parents live longer and need care, as childcare expenses increase, and as concerns for our troubled communities and our planet escalate, Stillpoint is needed and helpful. It offers practical and spiri- tual ways to take care of ourselves so that we may thrive and live to continue to serve life well and joyfully." - Glenda Taylor, Minister, Founder and Director of the Fellowship of Comparative Religion "A powerful, practical "Playbill" of micro self-care practices, ready to apply in any caregiver situation. Stillpoint should be required reading for those in the field and for those considering entering it. Each "ACT" identifies easy to incorporate moments and practices of holding, nurturing, grounding, and invigorating throughout one's day and one's career. Organic in its delivery and message, the book flows freely, respectful of the diversity in caregiver settings. Stillpoint will change the game for those serving others by holding space and time to be with, and make room for, self." -Michelle Ramos, Executive Director, Alternate Roots 'Where Arts and Activism Meet' Playbill OVERTURE, REVISED SECOND EDITION .......... xiii OVERTURE (ORIGINAL) ................... xvii PROLOGUE .......................... xix People Who Do Caring Work ................... xix What Is the Situation? ...................... xx Prior Injuries ........................... xxi Becoming Self-Caring ....................... xxii Body/Mind Connection...................... xiv The Benefits .......................... xxvi Guide to Using This Book .................... xxvii ACT I: STEPS, TECHNIQUES, AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS ... 1 1. Becoming a Self-Caring, Self-Healing Person ........... 3 The Kinesthetic Self ........................ 7 The Creative Self .......................... 8 The Feminine Self ........................ 11 The Five Skills of Self-Care .................... 12 Self-Care Skills and the Myth of Psyche .............. 12 2. Caregivers and Their Caring Work ................ 21 The Dangers in Caregiving..................... 21 The Missing Elements....................... 24 Lament of the Professional Caregivers ............... 25 Your Continuum of Self-Care Elements .............. 35 ACT II: STAGE AND SETTINGS ................ 41 3. A Self-Caring Workplace ................... 43 The Critical Match ........................ 44 Your Own Workplace ....................... 48 The Power of the Physical Environment .............. 50 More about Your Physical Environment .............. 54 A More Comfortable Workplace .................. 55 Working in a Self-Caring Way ................... 56 Doing