Tag Archives: #kindness

The Practice of Compassion

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“Rage — whether in reaction to social injustice, or to our leaders’ insanity, or to those who threaten or harm us — is a powerful energy that, with diligent practice, can be transformed into fierce compassion.”
~Bonnie Myotai Treac~

It can be challenging to watch others who choose to be in great pain. Each of us has a role to play in this life and ours may be to foster a sense of compassion for those who are lost in the lower levels of consciousness, delusion and dysfunction. At times, their struggle feels like someone who is drowning who inadvertently clings to another in their panic, overwhelming the would-be rescuer.

The practice of compassion is linked to a deep sense of peace, wisdom and detachment. When we learn to be in the world but not of it, we cultivate a soothing response to the challenges of life. Rather than judging those lost in distress we act from empathy and compassion, teaching by example.

You are a blessing. It’s natural to feel misunderstood – and, in fact, that is a powerful aspect of being an old soul. If you can stand alone in your truth and comfortable with your own journey, you are awakening.

 

Experience Oneness

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“You are not limited to this body, to this mind, or to this reality—you are a limitless ocean of Consciousness, imbued with infinite potential. You are existence itself.”
― Joseph P. Kauffman
Consider the unique beauty of snowflakes. Each is its own temporary, exquisite work of love and art created by the journey through the clouds. Their moment of existence is fleeting and much like Tibetan sand mandalas or Shamanic sand paintings, they naturally dismantle once complete, change form and merge back into oneness.
This lifetime is akin to that of a snowflake. We come and weave patterns based upon our journey through energy and illusion. Our dance with one another can be beautiful and gentle or destructive and intense; however, the molecular structure remains the same.
To experience Oneness in a world of difference, it’s important to remember how each of us is shaped by our experiences, imprinting, beliefs, level of consciousness and karmic lessons. We are all aspects of the Divine and love ultimately resides at the core of everything. Until we discover it wholeheartedly within ourselves, we will not be able to see it reflected in the world around us. Set an intention to seek out commonalities in your interactions. Feed loving energy and kindness into your life situation and allow that to inform your unique shape and way of being in the world.

Self Acceptance

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“You’ve been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.”
~Louise Hay~
You have always done the best that you can… and the same is true for all of those around you. Suffering occurs when we are unhappy with our own choices and behavior. When one begins to second-guess past decisions, all the vital life force energy begins to drain out of the present moment.
You have always done the best that you can. Based upon your life-path, soul age, imprinting, experience and interpretation of the world around you, you responded in the way you thought best at the time. Awareness creates space in which transformation can occur and every situation has something to teach. Is it any wonder that you have greater knowledge after the fact? You are absolutely on the right path and your perception should grow and change as you awaken.
The art of self-forgiveness allows you to release the past. Transformation can only occur when we put down the burdens of the heart. Should past situations repeat, notice any new responses that you have. Be a loving witness of your own evolution and let the gentle movement of awareness expand.

Words Have Power

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“People often ask me what is the most effective technique for transforming their life. It is a little embarrassing that after years and years of research and experimentation, I have to say that the best answer is – just be a little kinder.”
~Aldous Huxley~
Your words have power. How often do you hear yourself or others say things like:

It’s too hard
There’s never enough time
I’m broke
I always get sick this time of year
Life isn’t fair

…and then you witness it play out again and again?

Words are habitual and it can be challenging to recognize where these mantras of limitation began – we often pick them up from others around us. It’s important to remember that form follows energy.

Be aware of what you send out into the Universe. Transformation begins when we keep our words, thoughts and actions aligned with what we want to occur rather than putting precious energy into creating blockages and limitation.

So, make empowering choices when you speak:

Everything flows together perfectly
There’s more than enough time

Let your life be a series of kindnesses. Over tip others and treat yourself well. Be joyful and recognize your abundance. Be willing to engage life’s magic and live the life of your dreams now.

Consider the Flowers…

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“The smallest flower is a thought, a life answering to some feature of the Great Whole, of whom they have a persistent intuition.”
~Honore de Balzac~
Life embraces the present moment. It offers beauty and growth, change and delight. The flowers strive to receive the sun, the trees breathe with patience, the weather ebbs and flows… and we, we who consider ourselves masters of all, often wreak havoc, discord and dysfunction.
This is the moment of transformation. We have an opportunity to spread seeds of love in celebration of life. The seeds you share are a natural byproduct of your spiritual awakening. Some may flower, some may quietly wait, but all hold the potential for change.
Be like a garden that emits beauty and scent with wild abandon to all that come near. When the Joy of Being seeks to express itself through you, allow it to shine like a beacon in the darkness. Kindnesses are transformative, and often the littlest things have the greatest impact.

Learning Through Loss

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“Though your days here were brief
Your spirit was alive, awake, complete.
Let us not look for you only in memory,
Where we would grow lonely without you.
You would want us to find you in presence,
Beside us when beauty brightens,
When kindness glows
And music echoes eternal tones.”
~John O’Donohue~
Loss is part of life. Where we once had the opportunity to discover who we are in the presence of another, at some point we must also discover who we are in their absence.
We unexpectedly lost our kitty Mr. Monster yesterday. And while never an experience one would consciously or purposely choose, I know that is it perfect and that he will come around again in another form.
Everything plays a role in our awakening. Challenges can bring unexpected kindnesses and compassion and even now, my heart is filled with gratitude for all the love and friendship in my life.
Any loss provides an opportunity to cultivate the art of acceptance. Whether the ending comes through death, divorce, life paths diverging, work or relationships reaching the end of shared experience, the process is the same. We can focus on the blessings or the loss – the choice is ours.

You Are Loved

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“All things in this vast universe exist in you, with you, and for you.”
~Kahlil Gibran~
See yourself bathed in love. In certain aspects this is easy to visualize, of course. The light from the sun is a beautiful example of unconditional love – shining down on everyone equally, holding back nothing, demanding nothing. Love can be ignited by a kind word, laughter among friends, the smile of a dog, the art of creation, music, meditation, the feel of a mountain or by hugging a tree.

But what about man’s inhumanity to man? How can we find love in the desolation of once beautiful places, the destruction of the resources of our sacred mother earth or the poisoning of the mind with hatred? This is where spiritual practice and higher frequencies of awareness come in. If we hold the concept that all things have love at the core and we are the recipients of whatever is needed for our souls growth, we begin to look for love – even in the unlikeliest of places… and by looking for love, we are assured that it will be found.
Seek to appreciate the weaving of the tapestry of our existence together in a new way and cease being reactive or falling into judgment. In this way, we actively participate in the transformation and awakening of the planet and bring healing to all. Your love is the greatest gift that you can offer in any situation.