Extending Ourselves Compassion in Difficult Times

Giving ourselves the support and compassion we need in painful times can be easier than it sounds. One practice of doing so bypasses the mind and uses the language of symbols and pictures, which the subconscious understands.

Since we know our pain more intimately than others might, receiving tenderness from ourselves is very useful.

This seemingly simple practice incorporates intention and imagination (the seeds of healing), from which freedom (the alignment of our true Self with Divinity) emerges.

• Declare your intention, aloud, to extend yourself compassion

• Using your hands, make a cup in front of you

• Fill the cup with kindness and compassion - focus your intention to do this

• Feel the essence and sensation of compassion filling the cup until it almost overflows

• Place the cup, filled with loving-kindness, in front of your heart, slowly opening your hands as you breathe compassion into your heart center. Imagine it if you need to

• Sit for a few minutes as genuine care filters throughout your being

• Give thanks, in words or thoughts to yourself, for softening the pain and the intention to be with your soul

This practice is designed to support your feeling better in the present moment and to guide you away from ‘forever thinking’ as in ‘what will help me feel better forever?’

Healing flows from presence, one moment at a time.

Photo by Carlos Quintero