Reflecting on my day of compassion, it seemed I was so much more the recipient than the giver. It almost becomes problematic because you want to be able to extend the same kindness and thoughtfulness in return. It’s like saying a word over and over again, at some point you don’t even know what the word means anymore. The same goes for thinking about how to live your life, even one day more compassionately. Thinking about it too much, and you start to wonder what actions are considered compassionate. Focusing too much on something always ends up with my drawing a blank. So I tried to step back and not concentrate so much on something that should be a natural process. What I started to notice was that while I may not be actually doing anything physically to express compassion, I have to acknowledge the emotions that well up inside. It made me think about the loving kindness meditation today. Part of the process is thinking of someone and sending them warmth and loving compassionate thoughts. Feelings, and over-sentimentality, that’s something I have a wealth of. Isn’t that essentially what prayer is. Sending thoughts and hopes for someone through some sort of spiritual connection.
The dilemma I’m facing is what to do when encountering someone who is not mindful, and actually exudes more of the mindless characteristics? I know we’ve talked about returning back to “the real world”, and some of us are expressing concern even fear for whom we may encounter. I can think of many “mindless” individuals. You can’t change a person, but I’m still wondering how to help nurture an environment that would encourage people to be more mindful or receptive to ideas that don’t fit their usual mindset.
Jax,
ReplyDeleteI understand what you mean when you are talking about the physical change maybe not being seen but it's a feeling. I felt like that today too...maybe my smile to a cashier didn't mean much to them, but I was thinking good thoughts for the person and trying to show it.
Jax,
ReplyDeleteIt can be really hard at school when lots of people are being “quackers”. I have a hard time listening to it and not getting down as a result. I may try out lunch time meditation this next year to avoid the duck pond.
I get it Jax. Last week I was invited to Lewiston to have dinner with my dad's cousin, who I refer to as "racist cousin". He is well aware of my viewpoints, and how they do not match his in any way! I think his memory is deteriorating because he would bring some of the same stuff he said that upset me last year. I just had to be patient, but the thought I would probably never had to see him again helped, too. I have other people like that in my life, and there is really nothing you can do about it that I have found effective. Just stay who you are, Jax, and keep to what will be best to surround yourself with. Life is so short, I hope to surround myself with more positive people, and I hope that for you, too. You deserve it!
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