"A weed is a treasure, and a treasure is a weed."
~ Buddhist Koan
Reflection:
Life is not one big obstacle.
It isn't something to overcome.
Your humanity isn't temporary, not really, nor is it something to be dismissed in favor of some future "treasure" that you believe has been promised to you.
Even the Christian Bible would back me up here.
The kingdom of God is AT HAND.
It's here and now.
In the PRESENT moment.
The grace, kindness, and generosity of love that we expect and hope to find in the great by and by, is actually available to you NOW.
It always has been.
If you're spending all of your abundant life with a scarcity mindset, separating things (and oftentimes people) into categories of weed and treasure that have been handed down to you...you might be missing the point.
Boxes and categories feel safe, because they're contained...certain.
But life isn't like that.
It's a whole lot messier, isn't it?
"When we value all things equally, we perceive the oneness of life."
I encourage you to dump those boxes out and see what you've set aside as worthless or undesirable, I have no doubt you will find some well worn, and ready to be loved, people.
I could give two shits about the things, really.
But there are beloved souls in those boxes y'all.
Go hold them like the treasure they REALLY are.
Intention:
Join me in this intention:
Today, I choose to see the inherent value in people, recognizing them as treasures to be cherished, not discarded.
Meditation:
Cultivating Compassion
I invite you to practice the following meditation for cultivating compassion.
If you’ve never had the opportunity to do this particular mindfulness meditation practice, that is perfectly ok.
It is intended to cultivate feelings of kindness and compassion towards other people, and towards yourself, over time.
Be kind to yourself.
Don't judge yourself for having thoughts or feelings. Just observe them, as best you can, without judgment, and then gently bring your attention back to the practice of cultivating compassion.
If at any time, the practice feels uncomfortable or inappropriate, please please disregard the guidance and shift your attention to any anchor that is familiar, like your breath, your hands, or your feet.
Honoring how you are feeling in the moment is itself an act of compassion and kindness.
Coming now into a posture that offers comfort, ease and stability.
Sensing the movement of breath and the feeling of the body sitting.
And when you’re ready, allowing the eyes to close, or simply looking downward with a soft gaze.
Noticing the fact that you’re breathing, and tuning in to the sensations of the breath as it moves in and out of the body.
Now calling to mind someone for whom you have feelings of warmth, kindness, love, or gratitude, imagine them in your mind. It could be anyone. Someone that you are close to, or simply someone that you admire.
Holding this image in your mind of this person, acknowledging the connection that you have with them, and feeling how you want the best for them wish them well. Sending them wishes of love and well-being by repeating the following phrases silently to yourself.
May you be safe and protected. May you be happy and content. May you be healthy and whole. May you be at peace.
Noticing what emotions are arising and where in the body you feel these sentiments. Or perhaps there is no particular emotion or sensation to be noticed at all. Remembering that we are not trying to create any particular experience. Whatever is arising is just as it should be.
Allowing the image of this person to fade into the background.
And shifting your focus to offering these very same wishes for well-being to yourself. Beginning to send feelings of warmth, kindness, and acceptance to yourself, to whatever degree you can. Doing so by repeating these phrases.
May I be safe and protected. May I be happy and content. May I be healthy and whole. May I be at peace.
Sensing in the body how this feels. You might notice feelings that are comfortable and pleasurable. Or, you might find sensations or emotions that are uncomfortable. Some people have a difficult time offering compassion to themselves. Knowing that there’s no right or wrong way to feel. Whatever your experience, maintaining the intention to send wishes of kindness and well-being to yourself.
Now, focusing our awareness outward, extending these good wishes and caring sentiments to the people in your life. Your family, your friends, your loved ones, your colleagues and coworkers. And also the people gathered here with you. Repeating these phrases.
May you be safe and protected. May you be happy and content. May you be healthy and whole. May you be at peace.
And now simply resting in this sense of kindness and compassion for all people and beings, if it’s available.
May they be safe and protected. May they be happy and content. May they be healthy and whole. May they be at peace.
Beginning now to shift your awareness to take in once again the body sitting, the breath flowing, and sounds arising and falling away. Opening the eyes if they have been closed and becoming aware of seeing. Taking a moment to stretch or move in any way that feels supportive as you move into the next moments of the day.
Cultivation:
Here are 3 keys to cultivating kindness towards others.
Volunteer: Donate your time to a cause you care about. Helping others strengthens your connection to the community and fosters empathy.
Patience: Everyone has bad days. Practice patience and understanding with those around you.
Challenge Prejudices: We all have biases. Be mindful of yours and challenge them. Kindness extends to everyone, regardless of background or belief.
Appreciation:
Reflect on the positive aspects of your life, big or small. Gratitude fosters a more positive outlook, making it easier to extend kindness to others.
Perhaps you can practice the 4 A’s of gratitude….one which we name above!
Appreciation, Approval, Admiration, and Attention.
The nuances between these 4 things is worthy of contemplation.
The way you might show appreciation is perhaps NOT the same way you may voice approval or admiration. How you vocalize these sentiments to those around you is key. Speak up and speak out to amplify and highlight the beautiful beings around you!