Welcome to this week's self-compassion video.
My Christian friends often struggle with self-kindness because they may have been taught that compassion for yourself is selfish.
I tell them, look at Jesus and Buddha, Muhammad and Moses, all the wise ones of so many
spiritual traditions. They demonstrated self-compassion. When their ministries became tiring or they were in need of spiritual renewal, they went away to the mountain top or the desert. They journeyed inward, did prayer and meditation to reconnect with Spirit. They took time to care for themselves in healthy ways. They rested.
Following their lead, self-compassion has been a powerful path of awakening for me; for strengthening spiritual virtues; for deepening my relationship with the Sacred. How is this possible?
Today's video explains how.
Self-compassion is also the focus of the next Sadhana I am leading. A "Sadhana" is a period of dedicated spiritual practice around a theme or
spiritual virtue. Ultimately, if we become kinder and gentler with ourselves, we will not only heal and feel happy, we will naturally be kind and generous with everyone we meet.
(And, just in case, you are wondering, you do not have to be a
"health-challenged" woman to join us, just a "life-challenged woman.")
Today, may you be held in compassion and be free of anything that is weighing you down. May your heart be open, loving and light!
With metta (loving-kindness),
Jan
Jan Lundy
Spiritual Director/Mentor, Educator
and Author
