It’s easy to be mindful when our hearts are at rest. But, what happens when…

(fill in the blank)

I’m often asked how to maintain a centered focus even when the world appears to be rearing its ugly head. Our mindfulness practice builds upon the foundation of purposeful intention and breathing. We’re taught to interrupt our thinking mind, and let the energy of the emotion just simply. To observe without vested interest to outcome; to be always and continuously ‘at peace.’

Though, the truth is – I think there’s a little more to it than that.

Sadly, when our hearts are stirred all sorts of things may happen – not all of which are supportive to our mindfulness practice. We may react strongly, or simply freeze into place. We may experience the depths of past emotion, defaulting instantly into our ‘fight or flight’ reaction.

All of which seems to pull us away from the energy of self-compassion.

In the Fourth of the Five Mindfulness Trainings, Thich Nhat Hanh suggests that we might “speak and listen in a way that can help myself and the other person to release the suffering and see the way out of difficult situations.”

I think that’s the key isn’t it?

To respond in such a way as to ‘release the suffering’ – both for ourselves, and for all others concerned. To maintain this purpose, even in those moments when things don’t quite go our way – my darlings, this is the heart of compassion.

And, isn’t it high time we found the means to direct a little of that loving-kindness inward?

Just a little thought for today, my loves ~ and hopefully, a gentle nudge towards a much deeper kind of living.