How do we increase compassion?
Since I my work in the world is one of healing, I thought this may serve you. We all have suffering in our life. This is one of the great tenants of Buddhism. As humans we all know suffering. Even now as I sit and write this, I think of my sister in law whose body is experiencing cancer and the impact this has on the family. I think about the fires in Australia, the Iran/Iraq situation, and the suffering this brings to us all.
When we turn a blind eye to these things, we are actually cutting off a part of our very being. So, how do we embrace these things? How do I acknowledge this without being swept up in the feelings that overwhelm me?
Here is an exercise in how to increase our compassion:
- Start with quiet breathing while radiating feelings of gratitude.
- Bring to mind a situation where you could extend more compassionate care towards others.
- Visualize yourself replacing judgments, angered responses, and separation with compassion and kindness.
- Radiate compassion and latitude to people with different beliefs from your own.
- Practice sending genuine care and compassion to all those around the world who are suffering hardships.
When compassion becomes a way of life, not just an occasional practice, humanity will be closer to experiencing the collective possibility for “peace on earth”
As a HeartMath trainer and coach this is an exercise we were given to do our own work. I hope you join in this new revolution of the heart!
