It is true that we can alleviate the suffering of another, but to do so the roots of self compassion must deeply twine into the ground of our being. Without those roots we would be lifted into the winds of suffering. We would be depleted by its agony as the storm of suffering continues to rage.
As a compassionista, I have discovered that I cannot save the world; I can only save myself. Now, this is not a narcissistic salvation in which I turn away from others. This is a path of self awareness. I identify my suffering and gently, lovingly turn inward to alleviate my suffering. These acts of compassion increase my personal power. They can increase yours. Through these acts, we gain the fortitude, the strength, to empower others on their journey of alleviating suffering.
This is what our life journey is all about. The only person we can save is ourself. An ongoing alleviation of our suffering creates the space for us to hold the suffer of another. Within that space we listen with intent and respond with compassion while helping the other find ways to heal themselves.
I’ve learned the hard way that fixing is not a synonym for compassion. Our solutions for the issues of another are most certainly not their answer. Our compassion is guidance through their suffering. With this realization comes the inner knowing, and relief, that we are only responsible for healing ourself.
Say to yourself, “I cannot save the world. I can only save myself.” Full-body listen using all your senses to describe your body, mind, spirit, and emotions responses to the statement. Use descriptors to describe what you heard. Allow this knowing to bring understanding.
Gain an understanding of how deeply ingrained your desire to fix or save another may be. Then, reflect upon your reactions and responses to that statement over days, weeks, months — how ever long it takes — to gain a greater understanding of how your desire to help gets in the way of your compassionate action. Act upon your understanding.
You may need to work out a kink or two as you discover what stops you from growing roots of self compassion deep into your being. Continue to gently engage self compassion as you love those barriers away. Do it over and over again until you recognize this life is truly about you. It is only in this caring for yourself that you can show up and shower compassion on others.
Vanessa F. Hurst, ms, is an Intuitive, Coach, Catalyst, who uses mindfulness practices and intuition tools to create strategies for personal and relationship transformation. She is a professional speaker & author who weaves inner wisdom into all she touches. Her books are available @ www.wildefyrpress.com. Contact Vanessa (vanessa@intentandaction.com) for life coaching, intuitive consultations, keynotes, and programs.
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