When we can attune to our inner-self and bring awareness into our lives we can finally have empathy and have light upon what others truly feel and why they may be doing and reacting they way they are. This helps us continue to have hope when people we rely on disappoint us. When we understand why and feel what others feel we are able to be compassionate and create an intimate bond. From the flow of compassion we unleash the power of hope.
“The gift we can offer others is so simple a thing as hope.” – Daniel Berrigan
Compassion is based on the truth that as humans we all have an intrinsic worth and share similar aspirations, fears, and struggles. When we feel compassion for one another, we honor and respect that truth. In today’s meditation, we discover that the openness and expansion of awareness in a compassionate heart helps to nourish the power of hope in our life.
CENTERING THOUGHT
I meet any situation with loving kindness.
SANSKRIT MANTRA
Karuna Hum (I am compassion.)
Reflection Journal Questions
- Write down the names of two or three people you are angry with, envy, or hold judgment against. They could be people you know personally, or not. Looking at each name, journal about things you know have happened in their life that may cause them to act this way. For example, if your coworker is distant, perhaps they have lost someone close to them in the past. When we attempt to understand instead of blindly judging, we realize everyone is doing the best they can from their level of consciousness.
- Taking the same names, write down two positive qualities that apply to each one, as if you were their mother or best friend. Journal about how you could replace some of your judgment and behavior with these positive qualities when you next run into these people or think of them.
- The easiest kind of compassion is love for those dear to you. And this of course also has a powerful transformative effect on both you and the person you love. Write down the names of two or three people you truly care for, and describe ways in which these people have shown you compassion, and how you in turn have shown it to them.
- Reflect further on your experience today.