Most of the time my heart is spilling over with compassion for people. But then there are times when compassion just doesn’t come easy even when I know from past experience that it is the catalytic force required for change.
What is the block I’ve wondered?
Compassion is a softer state of being, compared to anger and defense. It requires an open heart and resisting the instinctive nature to strike back. Sometimes when someone is repeatedly violating your values (especially those that are really close to home) it can be difficult to soften while the shots are firing overhead. During these times, expecting yourself to go straight to compassion just might be too much of a stretch.
In these situations, what I need to do first is to care for myself when the other person is failing to do so. The first step is to deliberately remove myself from their harm: create some shelter. (In a previous blog, I shared how to liberate yourself from a harmful battle. Please see What to do with Wrong Doers ).
Once I’ve created shelter, it is from this safe harbor that compassion comes flooding in.
On living up to yourself,
Carrie
