Something I read when I was at school, left an impression on my mind: the Sufi's used to make fabulous meticulous and quite elaborate carpets, and always leave one mistake as sign that there is nothing perfect but the creator. If only he/she is flawless, it follows then, that; whatever he/she has created including people and their flaws, are perfect as they are.
In last month's article, we discussed forgiveness and how thoughts you have about unresolved (or unforgiven) situations can eventually lead to terminal illness, boring holes in your auric field- literally. If you have practicing self-forgiveness, then you are ready now to forgive others and exercise compassion- your divine right.
Please focus on three concepts:
- The universe is already perfect.
And that includes people and situations that you may feel you are intolerant of. They exist by design, for a reason: what you think is imperfect is part of the prolific mosaic that is creation to help you grow. You can learn about yourself from others' experiences, qualities or situations without having to go through them yourself!
- Judgement creates conflict.
By judging people and situations, you are creating a conflict for yourself. Yet another ball and chain to stop you from moving forward on the path of healing and spiritual growth. Consider whether it is your own vulnerabilities that are being exposed, when you react to situation or a person that seem intolerable. Being critical of others is your lower ego's way of deflecting attention away form it and onto others! In the process you will be judging yourself or punishing it subconsciously for that. Where is compassion then?
- Compassion is a conscious act- that is contagious.
The more compassion you exercise consciously, the more you will activate and expand your heart chakra, affecting others and the world we live in. It is the feeling deep within ourselves -a "quivering of the heart" that is often likened to opening the heart or compassion. The heart is the seat of the soul, the womb of guidance and spiritual growth. The Dalai Lama proclaims that both the self and the world can be transformed by the cultivation of compassion.
Mathew Fox, a theologian, educator, founder and president of the University of Creation Spirituality and author of A Spirituality Named Compassion, sees compassion as sensitivity to all aspects of creation, an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all living things. He writes, "Now that the world is a global village we need compassion more than ever, not for altruism's sake, nor for philosophy's sake, or theology's sake, but for survival's sake."
Practice compassion consciously:
Each day, whether at home while watching TV, at work, or on a bus; make it a habbit to:
v Send love to a stranger you notice is in need:
· First, allow yourself to be feel the suffering in the world, including your own.
· Feel that " quivering of the heart" for their pain, or misery then
· Release it like a butterfly, with a smile to help it get to wherever it is needed.
v Identify people or a situation which you would normally be irritated by:
· Consider that they are this way because they are hurting or their soul is in distress, then
· Put yourself in their shoes for a moment. What does that feel like?
· Forgive them (and yourself) for being less than perfect. Then,
· Mentally, focus on your heart,
· Feel your heart quivering, like the petals of a rose as it open to release it's perfume, then
· Release its loving perfume towards them.
· Mentally, give thanks (or send blessings) for being able to learn from an experience that you do not have to go through yourself!
Finally, remember that Compassion can transcend our fears of life, suffering, guilt, and death. Sufi mystic and poet, Jalaluddin Rumi (Delicious Laughter, translated by Coleman Barks) says
"The hard rain and wind
are ways the cloud has
to take care of us.
Be patient.
Respond to every call
that excites your spirit.
Ignore those that make you fearful
and sad, that degrade you
back toward disease and death".
Next month, we'll discuss another spiritual act: 'goal setting and the road map to success", including exercise on co-creating your future. Till then, love, light and healing.
© Sahar Huneidi, 2004 www.psychicsahar.com, PS Magazine
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