AN OCEAN OF COMPASSION
In our Self-Care Tuesday Group, we looked at the places we go with others, and how compassion arises from pain and our shared humanity. We explored the idea of self-compassion versus self-pity, and how sometimes we might try to fix situations rather than slow down to see what's needed.
Listen
The gift of listening with open present awareness can be profound. When we slow down and listen, we can notice the difference between reacting and responding.
Trust and feel
The heart is trustworthy, and it is a safe place to rest and to bring all of your emotions to bear. Very often the mind can be a scary place, so what if you take refuge in the safety of your own heart. You may find it challenging to surrender and rest in the ocean of your own heart. When you are able to rest in the ocean of love that lives in your heart, you can allow any waves of emotion to come and go.
Discernment
In certain situations, you might find yourself wanting to help everyone or be all things to everyone around you which is impossible. Access discernment, and notice if it is time to retreat from some old commitments and acclimate to where you are as a raregiver. Give yourself space to feel and accept your own limitations. Be honest with yourself about what is yours to do and what is not.
Lean in
When relating to others, sometimes it's important to lean into confrontation as and when it is appropriate. See how it feels to be honest and vulnerable with people and notice if you are merging with other people’s feelings.
It is possible to learn to lean in and be present, compassionate and empathetic, without taking on someone else's feelings.
A practice
You might consider the practice of noticing how you take on energy and how you merge with other people’s feelings. Learning to be with other people’s feelings and stay in your own safety bubble is very useful. Then you can be there for people without compromising your own emotional sovereignty. As the saying goes, "a joy shared is doubled, grief shared, is halved.”
Please Join Us
You may not realize how much you need the Angel Aid community until you find it.
Zoom Link: Link Here
We look forward to being with you soon.
