Description

Today we’re talking about compassion and what gets in the way of our acting compassionately.

Compassion is the second face of love. Compassion is the recognition of suffering, the desire to relieve suffering, and the acting to relieve it without any expectations of anything in return.  Check out out Episode 8 that also talk about the four faces of love.

Compassion comes naturally but is difficult when obstacles get in the way. Being able to recognize obstacles allows us to mindfully be with them and let them go freeing us to live compassionately.

Here are some of what can get in our way:

• We can’t reach out because we believe that that person has created our suffering. Our pride gets in the way.
• We shy away from compassion because we’re afraid what others will think about us. We’re afraid of being judged. Our compassion isn’t strong enough to overcome that judgement.
• We feel obligated to do something for someone and we do it because we want to keep in the good graces of another person. Or, We don’t want to be cast out of the group. Our action is guided.
• When we feel stressed or overwhelmed it is hard to be compassionate.

When we feel we don’t have what it takes to be compassionate or that it will demand too much from us, we shy away from it.

Bringing mindfulness to these obstacles as they arise is our path forward. Being with what arises, feeling it and how it feels in the body.  Asking little questions and investigating allows it to come forward and let go. 

None of us is perfect. We all have traits that we don’t like and we all make mistakes. This is part of the human condition— our common humanity.  When we accept this we can then bring self compassion to ourselves and then bring compassion to others.

This week I invite you to sit quietly asking two questions and seeing what rises to the surface not from the head but from the heart. To begin, practice mindfulness of the breath meditation for a few minutes to unit body and mind in presence and sharpen attention and concentration. 

The first question is, “What value do I put on compassion?” Is compassion one of my core values that define how I live my life? Why? Why not? 

The second is,“Who do I know who is compassionate and what makes them so?” 

 Have paper and pencil handy and jot down notes as you sit. 

This week’s guided self-compassion meditation is on the podcast membership page at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. 

I hope you enjoy the show. Thank you for listening and I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes that make it possible

Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;

Bill Rafferty for technical web support; 

Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and 

Margaret Haas for announcing the show

Be well. Be mindful.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Follow or subscribe to the podcast, download the episodes and share them with friends and on social media. And, don’t forget to review the podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

Become a member via Patreon. Go to the member page at www.patreon.com/yourmindfullife. All members have access to a new guided meditation each week on the member page.

DISCLAIMER

The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional. 

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Be well. Be mindful.