Do you avoid with those in need because you just don’t know what to say? You see someone who is sad, depressed, or suffering in some other way, and you want to provide some kind of support but then you might worry about saying or doing the wrong thing, offending the person and making it worse or just in general feeling helpless because you can’t actually ‘fix’ the cause of their suffering. It can be scary to get involved with someone else’s problems. You may even believe that they don’t really want your attention because they would become embarrassed. You may be in a place where you feel yourself you are dealing with so much suffering and stress that you don’t have the capacity to extend yourself to someone else.
How do you react when you encounter the suffering of a loved one or friend?
In exploring compassion this month, I have been reflecting on how and how often we reach out to connect with those who are in pain. Checking in, being there when and how you can.
Sometimes it’s enough just to say “I’m here, I see you are going through a difficult time, you are not alone, I’m holding space for your hardship.”
My reflection on compassion today is that it is really about connection, and it is an emotional exchange. It doesn’t require words. It is simply being present with someone and taking the time to extend warmth and love. The word compassion literally means “to suffer with”, and maybe the best way I can describe that in my own words really is to ‘hold space’.
Consider this: the beautiful thing about compassion as an energy exchange is that it is a connection that allows us to give and receive healing.
Peace
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