Mindful Monday: Compassion for ourselves + others. It heals.
Have you seen those cute little photos or videos online where two different animals have become best friends? They share a sweet bond, playing together, and nurturing one another, neither one aware of how very different they are—no sense of otherness or not belonging, just the desire for companionship.
It's sweet and heartwarming, and I think there's something we can all learn from this on a greater level.
We are experiencing a lot of divisiveness in our world. A strong "us and them" mentality that is alarmingly evident- a disconnect from one another, from our fellow humans- also signals a disconnect from our true nature.
How are we treating each other?
Are we compassionate with others? And are we compassionate with ourselves?
What would it look like if we took care of each other when we were in need?
Imagine how things could be different if we could focus on our humanness rather than seeing our differences—recognizing each other as unique souls that are part of the same universal consciousness. We'd witness some truly remarkable things.
With this in mind, my sister Deb shared a touching story with me. She and her granddaughter, Maya, who's five years old, baked muffins for folks who are homeless. They took them downtown to Ark Aid, where they offer meals and support to those experiencing homelessness.
Maya didn't understand at first why someone wouldn't have a home. At a young age, she is learning. She walked around, introduced herself, and handed out her muffins, telling people she had made them for them.
Deb said one of the men cried when Maya gave him a muffin.
I wonder what touched this man so deeply.
Was it a young child showing love?
Did he feel seen, cared for, loved, or accepted for who he was?
Was it compassion and kindness?
Maya made no mention of how people looked different. She just saw people. Maya loved the experience and asked to do it again last week. And when asked what message she wanted to give the people, she said she wanted to tell them; I love you.
Her innocence and purity are touching; she doesn't see division. Her heart is open with the ability to love freely.
This purity and truth lie within all of us; it's our true nature.
"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive."
- Dalai Lama
Dr. Gabor Mate is a Canadian author, speaker, and renowned addiction expert. He has bridged compassion and science in a way that offers understanding and love for human suffering. Dr. Mate believes that the source of addictions is the early childhood environment. He says compassion for ourselves and others is the key to healing.
As Dr. Mate says, "Being cut off from our own natural self-compassion is one of the greatest impairments we can suffer. Along with our ability to feel our own pain go our best hopes for healing, dignity and love."
Everyone has a story, and miracles can happen when we treat people with dignity, respect, and care.
In the past, I volunteered at a recovery home for men, offering mindfulness sessions. These men had hit rock bottom. Every single time I left our session, I was humbled. This experience has left a lasting impression on my heart.
This group of men was open with their feelings and insecurities and spoke truthfully about their past and wrongdoings. Their spiritual path and unconditional support were allowing them to heal. They were being offered compassion and, in turn, learning self-compassion.
Offering compassion does not have to be limited to those who are homeless or suffering from addiction. It is a way of being with ourselves and the world.
We can all benefit from greater compassion - for ourselves, others, animals, nature, and all of creation.
Compassion is the foundation of mindfulness. Compassion heals.
Self-discovery is returning to that place of innocence that Maya naturally shows effortlessly. It's dissolving the ego's blocks, stresses, and barriers to rediscover the beauty and Oneness of all.
We are powerful beings. We can make a difference.
I believe when we come from a place of peace, kindness, and compassion, we are impacting the consciousness on our planet.
One person at a time.
With love and compassion,
Diane