Compassion is sticky — an ooey, gooey, wonderful way of responding to the world. Is there a greater act than to alleviate suffering? I don’t think so. With each act of compassion comes a pinging of energy — we share compassion with another and a joyous, healed feeling returns to us. In the muck of suffering, we are healers — no matter what our profession.
But, before we get to the point of sharing compassion, we have to be willing to step in the mud. To let suffering ooze up between our toes and creep up our legs. To be splattered with our suffering or that of another while being objectively open and unconditionally loving whatever the circumstance. Think about that. Feel that image. It isn’t an easy one to embrace, is it?
When I feel the squish of suffering, my instinct is to get as far away from suffering as possible. But, then, I feel my heart beating the rhythm of compassion. It synchronizes with suffering demanding that I stay in the mud, feel the rhythm of suffering ooze around me, stay in the moment no matter how great the suffering. In my indecisiveness, I hear the whisper of compassion urging me to lean upon its strength.
To be compassionate is to be empathetic. We feel the emotions of another but do not get caught in them. We actively squish through that field of mud walking with another in whatever way alleviates their suffering. We recognize that we are not in charge of anything. We really do not even alleviate suffering so much as hold the space for another to alleviate their own suffering. We are servants of compassion.
How do we navigate as a servant of compassion? Through awareness. We are aware
- of suffering and the potential to get caught by angst of suffering
- of how our actions may enable the behavior that triggered suffering or that negates the lesson inherent in the suffering
- that suffering is not bad or good — that’s a judgment — suffering is an opportunity for growth — ours and another’s
- that suffering is not permanent. We learn the lesson, transform, and continue our life path
Suffering says, “Learn from me. Be stronger because of our interaction. Because like all things, I, too, shall pass.” The hope that shines from compassion and dries the mud of suffering sings, “you will emerge from the ooey, gooey mud of suffering, better, more authentic, and true to our self.”
Vanessa F. Hurst, ms, is a Life Coach through Intuitive Connection, professional speaker, and author who weaves her inner wisdom into all she touches. Her books are available @ www.wildefyrpress.com. Contact Vanessa @ vanessa@intentandaction.com for life coaching, keynotes, programs, and intuitive consultations.
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