Last week we explored self-compassion and how when we choose to be in the moment with ourselves in a gentle compassionate way, and to the best of our ability, how transformative it can be.
So wouldn’t you know it the Universe gave me an opportunity to put this teaching into practice. Of course, it did. :)
Last weekend I took part in a workshop that was deeply impactful. You know those moments when you have an awakening, and it feels like the veil has lifted letting more light shine through? That’s what it felt like.
After the workshop I was feeling spaciousness, my mind was clear and I felt energized.
Then, life happened.
I got some very disappointing news about something that meant a lot to me. Something I had no control over. At first, I had no reaction to the news and then the next day it started to sink in, and when it did, disappointment and heaviness showed up.
The workshop I attended was about letting go of the need to meddle or change our experience, thoughts, or feelings. To be courageous and stay open to our experience, letting it be as it is.
So, this was a perfect opportunity to put this teaching into practice.
I noticed how the mind started commenting about ‘Where did the bliss go? This doesn’t feel as good as yesterday. What’s wrong?’ I let the thoughts come without the need to ‘jump in the car’ with the thought.
I let myself feel the disappointment. I let this heavier energy be there. I noticed how I did this with very little resistance. I took care of myself like I would a dear friend. I felt the feelings. I breathed and listened to what my soul needed in the moment.
My motivation wasn’t to change how I was feeling. Instead, I was focused on offering love and support to the part of myself that was feeing these feelings.
Without trying, the energy shifted.
I woke up the next day feeling more alive. My mind was clear. I started my day with a beautiful walk and when I sat down at my lap top these words showed up on the page.
We have no control over how long a feeling or situation will last. What we do know, is that when we resist our experience, this has the potential to keep us trapped in the very thing we have an aversion to.
Like any skill it takes practice.
This experience showed me what self-compassion looks and feels like and that the more I practice, the more natural it is to be with my experience.
It requires consistency and a sincere desire to love ourselves no matter what.
If we want more peace or a deeper connection to our True Nature, it can only be found when we have the willingness to be in this moment. Not by trying to change, manipulate or meddle. Not by trying to numb ourselves or escape.
It’s not always an easy or comfortable thing to do.
Our mind is always trying to interfere. Our Super Ego is quick to chime in and be very judgmental. It will condemn us for feeling this way…being weak. It will compare us to other people.
This is where our mindfulness practice comes into play. We practice noticing and observing the Super Ego attack rather than fully identifying and losing our connection to Self.
The Super Ego is the internalized parent. It is not helpful it is hurtful. But with practice, we can learn how to parent ourselves. Be kind, gentle, and loving rather than critical.
This is when we get to choose love over judgment.
This is self-compassion at play.
We are taking care of ourselves in the moment, not waiting for a future moment to feel connected or at peace. The game of self discovery is the now. For me it’s the only game in town worth playing.
By doing so, we take our power back. We rediscover our divinity, our beauty, our strength our reality - by having the courage to be here now.
Now - is where it’s all happening. I encourage you to be present and take it all in.
With loving kindness,
Diane