Compassion is defined by Merriam Webster as sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it. Being aware of suffering, and wanting to change it in some way.
We've all (hopefully) been feeling some sense of compassion for others in the world in these past few months. Between COVID affecting the entire globe to the George Floyd murder sending shockwaves through America's cities, it's been hard to not feel some sort of empathy for those who we will never meet in real life.
Even stronger is our compassion for people who we actually know; if you have a friend who's been laid off recently, a family member affected by COVID, or someone close to you who's been a victim of racial profiling, your reaction has probably been more visible. Texting, calling, visiting, these are all ways in which we show our presence is often times the greatest present. But I think sometimes we forget about one subject who could use our love more than ever. Jack Kornfield, one of the most famous Buddhist monks alive, puts it beautifully:
"if your compassion does not include yourself it is incomplete".
We spend a fair amount of time and mental energy thinking about the wellbeing of others, and how we can improve their lives or do things in accordance with how they would want them done. But we don't take nearly as much time to think of the same things for ourselves. When was the last time you planned a relaxation evening? An afternoon completely to yourself? It doesn't need to be just scheduling events. When was the last time you FORGAVE yourself for a prior action?
When did you show up for yourself like you did for others?
For all of the giving we do, it's time to take a step back. You don't have to stop giving to the world, but rather start giving more to yourself. Give yourself permission to heal, permission to feel, and permission to fail. This is where real compassion comes in. Being aware that we may not be okay, and that that's okay. Meeting ourselves where we are, and then working to move forward. Loving unconditionally, while still striving for more. The most important relationship of all.
A Single Seed" is my attempt to get out one idea every day that I've learned or accumulated over the years, with the hope that it may stick in someone else's memory bank as well. The idea may be related to fitness, business, life, or philosophy, but I think you'll find that many can change domains if you wish them to. With each seed planted, a new life awaits.
Image credit: https://www.pikrepo.com/fctfh/woman-seats-beside-glass-mirror