Newsletter | October 2025

Dear One,

I've been thinking a lot recently about what it really means to care for ourselves. Not just the obvious "do something nice" ways, but the quieter, subtler forms of self-care that we might not even notice. Sometimes it's a laugh with a friend, a few conscious breaths, or simply noticing a moment of stillness. Or it's setting boundaries, saying "no," or giving yourself permission to feel your feelings fully. We all engage in acts of care, often without realizing it; I've noticed that the key is to pause and recognize them.

I have a deep fondness for this tree (the only tree) outside my Brooklyn apartment window. She often enters my self-care moments as I gaze or meditate on her changing colors, her growth, or her branches blowing in the wind.

I found an interesting study about the minimum "dose" of nature needed to make a difference for our well-being. The researchers found that just 10–20 minutes sitting or walking outdoors measurably lowered stress, blood pressure, and heart rate. Ten minutes! It makes me wonder—(and I'd be willing to bet)—that the same could be true for other self-care rituals: journaling, meditating, moving your body, or simply sipping a cup of tea in silence. Small, intentional pauses can change the way we move through the day.

Self-care isn't only individual—it can be deeply communal. Our Grace and Grief Vigils are one way to experience that: spaces of tenderness and reflection where we can hold both light and shadow together, replenish our spirits, and connect with others in a nourishing way.

As a team, we're committed to practicing what we teach. This December, we'll be stepping back for some "wintering" and honoring the season's invitation to turn inward, rest, and trust the slow, sacred work of stillness. Like the trees, we're tending our roots. We'll return in the new year with renewed energy and deeper offerings to share.

And because I want you to feel supported, I've created a small gift for you: Five Ways to Replenish Your Mind, Body, and Spirit. May it offer gentle reminders of how to care for yourself, in whatever unique ways feel right for you.

5 Ways to stay spiritually connected in hospice (2)

Wishing you rest, warmth, and care as we enter a new season.

With gratitude,

Rachel Cao

Community Spotlight

As we talk about self-care, it feels important to also remember collective care and the ways we can extend compassion beyond ourselves. Many in marginalized communities face disproportionate challenges to their mental health, especially in the world and political climate we are living in today. Acts of support and solidarity matter.

This season, we're spotlighting a few organizations doing vital work to provide care and resources for the mental health of those most affected. We invite you to learn about them, support them, and, if you're able, make a donation. Even the smallest contributions help sustain their work and ripple outward in meaningful ways.

Together, caring for ourselves and caring for one another becomes part of the same sacred practice. 💜

AFSP | Mental Health Resources for Marginalized Communities - AFSP maintains an extensive, curated list of resources by community (Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, LGBTQ+, and more) to connect people with culturally responsive care.

Mental Health Liberation - This grassroots nonprofit empowers BIPOC / Global Majority clinicians to offer free or low-cost therapy, peer support, and advocacy.

BeHumanitarian - An organization that lead volunteer vacations to Guatemala to inspire volunteers to become global citizens and take a hands-on role in the world around them.