Compassion is our natural state of being — it is natural to feel joy in giving and receiving from the heart. What happens, then, to disconnect us from our compassionate nature, leading us to behave violently or exploitatively? And conversely, what empowers some to stay connected to our compassionate nature even under the worst circumstances?
Language plays a crucial role in our ability to stay compassionate. While we may not consider the way we talk to be “violent,” words often lead to hurt and pain toward ourselves or to others. That is because so many of us have been trained to speak in terms of moralistic judgments, evaluations, and labels that disconnect us from compassion.
I’m learning that reframing how I express myself, how I communicate, and how I hear others can lead me to give from my heart. Instead of habitual, automatic reactions, my words become conscious responses based firmly on awareness of what I perceive, feel, and want in that moment.
I’m striving to express myself with honesty and clarity, while simultaneously paying others my respectful and empathic attention. I come to hear my own deeper needs and those of others. Transforming my heart towards compassion.
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing, and right-doing, there is a field. I will meet you there.
Rumi
Thank you Lord for the practice of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) that trains us to observe carefully, and to specify behaviors and conditions that are affecting us which is simple, yet powerfully transformative
Smitten With Goodness 