2017: The Year of 4C

 2017: the year of 4C — compassion, community, courage, and curious daring. At first I was calling it C4, but my intent if for a year of transformation not explosion! When we weave these four together in our intent, our actions create a resilient cord that connects us to our self and others in the here and now.

Compassion resides in our breath. With each mindful inhale, we recognize opportunities to share compassion. This sharing is a result of being aware of what is happening in both our inner and outer worlds. First, we focus on compassion to self as we ask,

“What about myself have I been particularly critical about?” Name it.

“How does this lead to my suffering” Own it.

“What is one simple thing I can do to alleviate my personal suffering?” Do it.

With each self-directed act of compassion, our ember glows brighter as our suffering is released. This light shines inward allowing us to continue to practice self compassion and outward illuminating suffering in the world. As suffering is illuminated, ask yourself,

“What action can I take to alleviate suffering in the world?” Do it.

With each outwardly focused compassionate act, we propel into relationship. These connections may last a lifetime or be minutes long connections. Most are somewhere in between. When we connect through compassionate intent, the stars in our constellation of connections twinkle brightly. The bonds of community grow and strengthen. We more clearly see the members of our tribe and celebrate each person’s presence while recognizing community is not a closed circuit. It evolves and expands with each compassionate action.

Throughout this year of 4C seek out people to invite into connection. Notice how your community and your sharing of compassion evolve.

Reaching out to others and forming community, requires courage. Fear may trigger self judgment in moments prior to our attempts to share compassion. We may fear the reaction of another and question our act of compassion. Courage is the result of acknowledging this fear but continuing to engage others despite it. With courage, we step beyond the boundaries of our fear and venture into uncertainty.

In this journey into the uncertain, courage walks with its faithful companion, curious daring. Through curious daring we expand the wings of courage. Taking flight with courage, we explore the unknown and ride on the thermals of our dreams. Although we may deem something impossible, curious daring says, “why not?” And, courage responds, “Let’s go!” In each act of courage and curious daring, we become the guiding light of compassion for our self and others.

This is the year of 4C. In every moment, vow to be alert to suffering. Each compassionate act draws us deeper into community. We recognize and celebrate the courage and curious daring that impels us into action. We navigate this wild and wonderful, sometimes scary, journey of compassionate connection not by our self, but hand-in-hand with the many people we hold in our hearts.

Vanessa F. Hurst is a Mindful Coach, Compassion Consultant, Professional Speaker, and Author who interweaves her inner wisdom in all she touches. Contact Vanessa

Her books are A Constellation of Connections: ContemplativeRelationships and Engaging Compassion Through Intent & Action.

More from Vanessa: www.intentandaction.com