The sun hadn’t quite peeked over the horizon. Talisien, my wyvern cat had decided my slumber was over. She playfully scratched and bit me awake. No amount of burrowing under the covers gave me respite. The sun had not risen and my Tali needed to play. Those were two undisputed facts. I could not change these exterior events. I could only shift my reaction to them into a response.
Life is like that. How many times do we wish for something — be it fifteen more minutes of sleep or a new job? Our wish doesn’t happen. We are disappointed. We find our self stuck in circumstances seemingly beyond our control. What do we do? We can be mired in the frustration and burrow into our despair. Or, we can look for the possibility, the hope that the moment brings. Me? I usually have a hybrid reaction-response. What begins as despair shapeshifts into hope-filled possibility.
It is an indisputable fact that no matter how much we try to change the world around us, the only change that we can manifest is that inside of our self. The key to creating a more compassionate world is to strengthen our own compassionate heart. It is within us — this world changer — and is present within the transformation of our self. The world changes through each compassionate response.
So what does this mean? Transformation is a result of acting from an empathetic heart and a nonjudgmental mind. We do not attempt to “walk in the other person’s shoes” — it is impossible to truly experience the plight of another. We do, to the best of our ability, understand the depth of their suffering. Although we know that our way only works for us, joining with others creates a new paradigm complete with the potential for change on a greater level.
But, this kind of change is beyond difficult. When in community, we need to show up as our best, authentic self while holding space for others to do the same. Setting aside our agendas and our need to be right, we show up as a servant leader — humble and vulnerable. And, if we do this, we have a chance to create something bigger, better, more transformative than we as individuals could ever imagine.
Our willingness to be our best self coupled with our commitment to show up with the intent to remain our best self alter our perception of the world. We hear the door of opportunity creak open. We slip inside prepared to continue our transformation as individuals and community. This powers transformation in the world.
And, yes, I forwent those 15 minutes of sleep and joined Talisien’s clowder.
Vanessa F. Hurst, ms, is a Neural Synchrony™ facilitator, professional speaker, and author who weaves her inner wisdom into all she touches. Her books are A Constellation of Connections: Contemplative Relationships and Engaging Compassion Through Intent & Action. Vanessa assists clients in navigating their life paths with intuition. Contact Vanessa @ vanessa@intentandaction.com for keynotes, programs, and consultations.
Twitter: @fyrserpent / ©2018
Oh YES YES YES Vanessa! Such good thoughts. Thank You.
ReplyDeletethank you!
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