🌀

it can feel overwhelming when we look out into the world and see so much suffering. 

we have a tendency when our heart is moved by such suffering to take it all on in some way, if not in action, then in thought. this can lead to anger, burnout, and distress, even depression and despair. we get pulled into and swept up by the storm.

we can also have a tendency when our heart is moved by such suffering to close up and stick our head in the sand, choosing an “ignorance is bliss” attitude to avoid the discomfort and feeling of powerlessness. but it isn’t so easy to unsee what we have seen or to un-know what we have known. so it stays with us, perhaps buried, but waiting to reappear at some point in the future.

neither of these approaches are sustainable or beneficial. and we may end up causing even more harm to ourselves and others. 

instead, we can take up a middle path of not closing ourselves off to the suffering we see. we can stay aware, but take smaller actions towards alleviating suffering and adding benefit to our immediate relationships, surroundings, and community. and if able, we can support the work of organizations who are taking up the large scale issues, all the while being mindful of our own well-being. mindful of what level we can participate and maintain an open heart and steady mind. we can take up practices that support our own well-being, including valuing rest.

each thread of love, of empathy and kindness, we contribute adds to the larger tapestry of compassion people are weaving for a world in need. in the words of another Stephen, Stephen Sondheim, “Bit by bit, putting together. Piece by piece, only way to make a work of art…”

~j

⭕️♥️🙏🏼

#bodhisattvas #suffering #compassion #awareness #mindfulness #kindness #healing #service #activism #OpenHeart #path #practice #StephenCopeQuote #StephenSondheimQuote #JinpaLhaga #JMWart