Compassion

The Power of One Single Ripple.

“The most treasured and sacred moments of our lives are those filled with the spirit of love.” ― Joseph B Wirthlin

I started a tradition not too long ago, of having coffee ‘together’ with my friends.

A virtual ‘gathering spot’ of sorts, intended to encourage the spirit of community, no matter how very far away. Every Sunday we ‘met’ in my garden – sharing cherished stories with every cup of tea. Though the internet brought us closer, it was this energy of sharing which connected our hearts.

Finally, the power of social media might be harnessed for the purpose of a much greater good.

And, as silly as this may seem, I rather looked forward to these morning meetings – as, inevitably they offered the joy-filled gifts of gratitude…reflection…and, love.

One morning, a neighbor poked his head over the fence. He had heard our laughter from several yards away, and couldn’t help but to be drawn in. I think, at first, he may have been a little put off by the idea. I mean, imagine having morning tea with those who were half a world away?

And then, one day he joined us – bringing a box of scones to share. How delightful that my silly tradition had now grown by a factor of one ~ 🙂

Kindness ripples, my darlings…and, those rings of compassion connect us all.

Well, imagine my surprise this morning as I watched my neighbor smile from across the away,

“I’m taking them scones,” he shouted, “sharing the love, you know!”

His father had recently passed away, after a long battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma. He once described the loss of his father as a ‘deep hole that could never be filled.’ There was a dark emptiness to his eyes, a desperate longing to make things right.

One morning, I shared with him the story of Dan the Coffee Man. He, too, watched as his father battled this devastating disease – and, through each chemotherapy session, Dan never left his father’s side.

Having felt so powerless, one day Dan asked himself, “How can I make this better for others?” That was the beginning of the now famous, “Dan’s Coffee Run” And though, Dan has never once been connected to a chemotherapy infusion machine – nevertheless, he knew from his Dad’s experience just how difficult it was to sit in that chair. So, he began delivering coffee and treats twice weekly – just to put a little smile on the faces of the patients. It’s not about the money, he’d say – this is an act of love.

So, on this day, I watch with heart-felt smile – as I watch my neighbor carry on the tradition of caring. Like Dan, he’s off to visit the patients – for the purpose of sharing his love.

How magnificent the changes we can effect when we put our whole hearts into it!

Imagine what might be accomplished when we are able to put compassion first. <3

 

The Voice of the Soft-Hearted Warrior.

[blockquote source=”T.F. Hodge”]“Live what you be, not what you see.” [/blockquote]

I wrote a letter to myself, just over a year ago – and during a time in which I felt the need for a much needed, and kind-hearted reflection.

It was intended to serve as a reminder, of sorts – a little something to help keep my balance during difficult times. Posted prominently at the center-most portion of my bedroom mirror, it was quite literally the very first and last words of my day.

It read simply,

[blockquote]”Dear Tara,

I know things must seem difficult, at best. But trust, that this ‘now’ will soon come to an end. New days will yield a much brighter sun, and the pain of our yesterdays will soon fade away.

Until then, be centered, balanced and present in your own life; be a vibrant, inspirational, and dynamic force in the lives of others you know and love; share your heart freely and honestly with this universe and all those within it.

Be brave, but know that bravery wears well its own ‘mask’, one intended to shield it from the sharpened edges of this world.

My darling, there is no tragedy in these tears; nor, any sense of loss in these scars. Because, every single moment of your life has added depth to the ‘you’ that you are.

The Universe wants for you precisely what you want for yourself; may you never lose faith in this, your Divine truth.” [/blockquote]

The words found me during a late night ‘tipping point’ – and, on the heels of a day that had certainly taken its toll.

My world had been so keenly balanced in this space of who I thought I was.

And, I…had become far too comfortable there.

“I can’t…”

“It’s too hard…”

or,

“I’ll never make it through…”

I had been so caught up in my emotions, that I had nearly missed their much deeper meaning.

Change is one of life’s greatest blessings – forcing us to the absolute edge of our spiritual comfort zone. Shifting our perspective often ‘just enough’ to see things in an entirely different way.

The trick is, to keep our hearts open to all that may happen once we step outside that zone.

[blockquote source=”Pema Chodron”]”Inner strength is available to us at just the moment when we think we’ve hit the bottom, when things are at their worst.

As long as we’re caught up in always looking for certainty and happiness, rather than honoring the taste and smell and quality of exactly what is happening, as long as we’re always running away from discomfort, we’re going to be caught in a cycle of unhappiness and disappointment, and we will feel weaker and weaker.

If we use the opportunity when it arises, suffering will motivate us to look for answers.

“[/blockquote]

My dears, difficulty is inevitable in this human life – but, trust that it has a great deal to teach us, as well.

For, even in these seemingly ‘rock bottom’ moments – the voice of the warrior can be heard.

 

 

Our Journey Into the Divine.

[blockquote source=”Pema Chödrön”]”The fundamental view that was presented by the Buddha is not one of there being an underlying harmony, rather its a view of being willing to be open to whatever arises..harmony and chaos.”[/blockquote]

Oh my goodness, I woke up in such a horrible mood yesterday.

I was grumpy and irritable, and not at all ‘myself’ – as I struggled to find my ‘rhythm’ for the day.

Why, just ask my dearest pup, Nudnick (he didn’t even stay through morning tea.)

Oh, but we all have these moments, my loves. When our minds are abruptly pulled from the safety of the ‘nest’, and tossed into the chaos which surrounds us.

And, I felt so guilty about my upset – as, there was really no reason for it.

“Knock it off,” I whisper-shouted to Ego – but, it would seem on this day, Ego had much different plans.

So, there I sat – just me and the ugliness of this heavy mood.

And…I absolutely hated it.

As a species, we are instinctively drawn to the harmonious. We read books, attend lectures, spend hours in thought-filled introspection – all to create a little more balance in our world.

And, when we do finally find it? We want it to last forever.

Why? Because, it feels good to have everything in balance. With neither, too much of this nor too little of that, we find comfort is the ambiguity of our ‘just rightedness.’

Like moths to a light, we are transfixed my the warmth of Serenity’s flame.

But, we must learn to be mindful, my dears – as even the most delicate of balance, can serve as a double-edged sword.

Such is the case when a disagreeable mood forces us from the coziness of our ‘spiritual cloud.’

We feel displaced…exposed…vulnerable.

No wonder we are constantly shifting our footing, as we feel our own ground beginning to slip.

And, even to the extent that we might fabricate a proverbial ‘tree branch’ or two, in that space where we are convinced there is none.

A surly mood, though horribly uncomfortable, does provide some semblance of certainty. And, certainty is what we crave, my dears – even to the detriment of our own spiritual good.

Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche taught the quality of openness and discovery; and, to find within our own mind, a willingness to relate to all things as they are presented to us. It is drawn from one of the fundamental teachings of the Buddha, that we may be willing to engage in the fullness of this beautiful life.

And, to the extent humanly possible – to live in the wonder, not the balance.

[blockquote]”Turn, turn, my wheel! All things must change
To something new, to something strange;
Nothing that is can pause or stay;
The moon will wax, the moon will wane,
The mist and cloud will turn to rain,
The rain to mist and cloud again,
To-morrow be to-day.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Kéramos[/blockquote]

My dears, to embrace the dynamic nature of this universe ~ is to finally begin our journey into the divine.

My Very Special Birthday Wish.

[blockquote source=”Leo Buscaglia”]“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”[/blockquote]

Friday is my birthday, and as such I invite you to join me in a spectacular celebration…

Of life…of love…and of a most beautiful kind of engaged compassion.

What do I mean by engaged compassion?

My dears, these are all the unexpected ways in which you may share the gift of your light.

Hold the door for a stranger, take a tray of cookies to a neighbor…

And all those old toys and books and clothes still with tags on? My dears, isn’t it time you found a new home for them?

These seemingly small acts carry the power to transform our world; and, the decision to engage it rests with you.

So, don’t wait…don’t hesitate, my loves. If you want a better world, then lets change it.

Together we can move mountains, and through love we can secure a much better tomorrow.

I recently came across this beautiful metta, or loving-kindness meditation by the dhamma teacher Venerable Visuddhàcàra. It’s a message of hope and happiness, intended for all living beings.

And on this day, it’s sent from my heart to yours.

My dears, I am honored to know you; and, I am humbled by your outpourings of love each day. But, more so, I am thankful…thankful for the gift your presence.

Your light has carried with it, a joy – of that which I have never known before.

Blessings and peace, my dears…and, what follows is my birthday wish.

May penetrating light dispel the darkness of ignorance.
May all kamma be resolved and the mind-flower
of wisdom bloom in Nibbàna’s eternal spring.

May all those who are afflicted be affliction-free.
May they be serene through all their ills.
Even if bodily afflictions do not subside,
may we all be healed in heart and mind.

May all beings live in peace and harmony.
May they have health and wealth and comforts and friends that are true.
May they have skills, talents, and knowledge
and sweet success in all that they do.

May they have joy and happiness in abundance.

May all beautiful, great and noble virtues of—generosity, love, kindness, compassion, patience, fortitude, tolerance, forgiveness, honesty, courage, strength, energy, resolution, determination, resilience, perseverance, consideration, humility, gratitude, contentment, composure, serenity, wisdom, understanding and equanimity—be theirs.

May they attain full wisdom and enlightenment. May they be liberated from all suffering.

 

A Lesson in Empathy.

[blockquote source=”Elizabeth Gilbert”]“I’m here. I love you. I don’t care if you need to stay up crying all night long, I will stay with you. There’s nothing you can ever do to lose my love. I will protect you until you die, and after your death I will still protect you. I am stronger than Depression and I am braver than Loneliness and nothing will ever exhaust me.”[/blockquote]

I love this short film which was developed by the doctors and caregivers at The Cleveland Clinic. Its intention is to guide us to look into the many faces we see in each day, such that we might see…really see…the human standing before us.

“Our lives intersect with others all day, everyday. Sometimes we know these other lives well; frequently, though, the points of connection are brief and transient. Who are these people? How might they tell their own stories? What thoughts preoccupy their minds? What joys and troubles are coursing through their feelings? This short film, reminds us that empathy is our tool for beginning to know these things. It asks the question: If we could catch a glimpse of others’ stories, would we treat them differently”

This film really resonates with me, and in so many different ways. So much so, that I wanted to share it with you here today.

My dears, so often we fall victim to the story behind our emotions. And, as our attention shifts we can feel this change – a desperate narrowing of our previously unbridled soul. It’s a falling inward, of sorts…

But, we all have a story to share. And our stories are what serve to connect us.

My hope for this day is that we may all pause just long enough to consider life outside the confines of our own racing brains—so that we may, in some small way, embrace the stories of others.

I have learned well this past year, that in order to really heal—there needs to be an inseparable connection between body, mind and soul.

Namaste, and much love this day.

Video: CEO Toby Cosgrove, MD, shared this video, titled “Empathy,” with the Cleveland Clinic staff during his 2012 State of the Clinic address on Feb. 27, 2013.

What Gifts This Hope Might Bring.

[blockquote source=”C. JoyBell C.”]I will expand in this universe, I will not stay on the lines nor within the lines written by this world.” [/blockquote]

I was so moved by this video. In which, a single act of humanity, so clearly demonstrates the power of our human potential.

We are a limitless expression of spirit in human form. And, possibility…is asleep within our soul.

And, we mustn’t ever judge by outward appearances alone…as, what lies within dons a far more intricate cloak.

One cast in the threads of human experience, worn gently by the grace of each new opportunity.

And, how might you ever see this with eyes half closed?

[blockquote source=”Emily Dickinson”]
I dwell in Possibility –
A fairer House than Prose –
More numerous of Windows –
Superior – for Doors –
Of Chambers as the Cedars –
Impregnable of eye –
And for an everlasting Roof
The Gambrels of the Sky –
Of Visitors – the fairest –
For Occupation – This –
The spreading wide my narrow Hands
To gather Paradise –
[/blockquote]

Indeed, with narrowed hands stretched forward – we bring the gift of possibility to all of humanity.

These Simple Things We Do Each Day.

[blockquote source=”Leo Buscaglia”]“It’s not enough to have lived.  We should be determined to live for something. May I suggest that it be creating joy for others, sharing what we have for the betterment of personkind, bringing hope to the lost and love to the lonely.”[/blockquote]

I’m a bit unsettled over something I’ve learned recently.

You see a dear friend with over 34 years of service with my company, has been told that he’s no longer ‘welcome.’

Of course, there were the pleasantries of, “My goodness, what a great job you’ve done…” And, the formalities of handshakes dressed to ‘business best.’

But, in the end, only one truth stands certain, and that very few of those well-wishers stepped forward to help him.

As a Buddhist, and not unlike many other compassionate souls, I’m always left wondering – how on earth can we turn our backs to another human in need? To feign, not even partial sorrow for this deed that has been done?

At times, I worry…that this industrial machine has won.

Oh, but that’s when we must dig deepest, my friends and to ensure the human heart may always be heard.

To shepherd compassion, over currency – isn’t that what this world needs most? When an offer is of giving, with no expectations in return…and every child has in hand, the necessities to thrive.

No, my dears, it’s not enough to simply just walk by.

“Looking after oneself, one looks after others. Looking after others, one looks after oneself.”

In Buddhism, there is a concept of ‘service, with meaning.’ In other words, when we step away from this constant need for validation – we are able to help others, while also helping ourselves.

We are setting aside our ego, to connect – once again, as equals.

And, my dears – isn’t that where compassion’s roots take form?

We want so very much to become enlightened beings, to feel the heart of the Bodhisattva. And yet, in reality there is this balance – between what we want and what we fear. Is it that, perhaps, we fear our own unearthing?

Instead, of taking action, we cling to this suspended state – like a tiny ant caught in the amber.

What we fail to realize is, that one single action can become our liberation.

Just one step nearer to our edge – brings us that much closer to our happiness.  So, take a moment to offer kind words…connect with your human family.

I can think of a dozen or so things to help in some way – but, what good is it without the doing?

My dears, it’s the simple things we do each day – that lend great purpose to our being.

Namaste.

 

We Are Human.

[blockquote]”We fight wars, and kill one another – over beliefs, and for power. We join teams, fraternities, sororities, country clubs, gyms…community groups…churches, gangs, and the military – all because, we do not feel included. But why? Why isn’t being human enough?”[/blockquote]

In this beautiful video, filmmaker Greg Borkman gently reminds us the importance of this human family.

And, in spite of our diversity – the compelling need for humanity to come together.

We Are Human.

We Are Human PSA from Greg Borkman on Vimeo.

Where Love May Serve.

[blockquote source=”Unknown”]”However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you If you do not act on upon them?”[/blockquote]

Many years ago, I had the pleasure of working in our Nation’s capital, Washington D.C.

At the time, I was new to this ‘city life’ – mesmerized by its rich history, and awe-struck by the magnificent structures that towered over my head.

At times, it seemed, I was always looking up…so much so, I nearly missed what their shadows hoped to conceal.

Until one day, I noticed an old woman curled up against the steel grating of an old railway shaft – the warm air of the passing trains beneath serving as her only means for survival. She was trying to stay warm, in a winter that promised to be our most brutal yet.

As I stopped to talk with her, my office mate pulled me away, “Don’t ever talk to the homeless here – they’re all crazy.”

And though I knew him to be a man of seemingly good character, still…his comment stopped me dead in my tracks. Not so much for what had been said, but rather…for the greater portion of what had not.

This woman was suffering; and we…had the means to help. And yet, I watched as at least a dozen or so smartly dressed businessmen and women – averted their eyes, and walked away.

Boy, talk about the shock of moving a country girl into a city world…

I could hear in his voice, how very much he believed his words – that somewhere along his journey in life, a single moment forever marred his vision.

And leaving such a terrible smudge on that which is humanity’s mirror…

Of course, I stopped anyway – and, in spite of his stern warnings. And, when he later asked me ‘why’ – I answered simply,

“Because, that’s what we humans should do.”

My dears, I’ve often wondered what is it that separates those who’ll do from those who’ll dream? What is it that causes some to serve, while forcing others to turn away?

What transpires in that micro-instant that carries us from hesitation to action? What serves as the mortar for compassion’s bridge?

Maybe, we fear that which we so desperately hope to avoid – to be so directly touched by the pain that others might feel.

As if the pain and suffering of this world is something that we might ‘catch.’

[blockquote source=”Shantideva”]May I be a guard for those who need protection
A guide for those on the path
A boat, a raft, a bridge for those who wish to cross the flood
May I be a lamp in the darkness
A resting place for the weary
A healing medicine for all who are sick
A vase of plenty, a tree of miracles
And for the boundless multitudes of living beings
May I bring sustenance and awakening
Enduring like the earth and sky
Until all beings are freed from sorrow
And all are awakened.[/blockquote]

My dears, I have always believed compassion to be our greatest gift…and gratitude, the means by which we are awakened.

But in the end, isn’t it love…that serves always as our call to action?

And, isn’t it strange that this thing we most fear – is perhaps, the very thing that may help to heal us.

It’s certainly something to think consider..

 

The Importance of Hope.

[blockquote source=”Dalai Lama”]”I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.”[/blockquote]

I know, darlings…easier said, than done.

And, especially on those days when life seems intent to drag on in its weariness ~ with wave after wave toppling us once again to that shore. In those moments, why, even the most steadfast of hearts will feel a little rattle…

We wonder why, and question whether or not we’ve really the strength to endure….

And yet, time and time again…something deep within causes us to rise up once again.

Hope whispers when darkness calls…and with a gracious smile, she extends her hand. “Come on, my friend…” she says, and suddenly our faith is restored.

My dears, you see…when we have Hope, we are not ever alone.

And perhaps that is the reason for our being ~ that we may be reminded each day, that with Hope comes unconditional love….

A little something to consider, my friends.

To celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 78th birthday, I wanted to share a story of a young man who has inspired my heart.

“Narayanan Krishnan (born 1981) is an Indian chef turned social worker. He quit his career as a leading chef and began supplying meals to the homeless in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, beginning in 2002.

Krishnan was born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He was an award-winning chef with Taj Hotels, Bangalore and was short-listed for an elite job in Switzerland. During a visit to his family, before heading to Europe, he said, “I saw a very old man, literally eating his own human waste out of hunger. I went to the nearby hotel and asked them what was available. They had idli, which I bought and gave to the old man. Believe me, I had never seen a person eating so fast, ever. As he ate the food, his eyes were filled with tears. Those were the tears of happiness.

Krishnan founded his nonprofit Akshaya Trust in 2003. Every day, he wakes up at 4 a.m., cooks a simple hot meal and then, along with his team, loads it in a van and travels about 125 miles (201 km) feeding the homeless and mentally-disabled in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to 400 indigent and elderly people in Madurai.

He carries a comb, scissors and razor and is trained in eight haircut styles that, along with a fresh shave, provide extra dignity to those he serves.

“Food is one part. Love, is another,” he smiles, with the unmistakable glint of human generosity in his eyes.

These are the stories we should be sharing.