As we discussed holiday traditions and the joy and challenges that can be associated with them in the last Divas Dive In teleclass, I was reminded of the importance of compassion.  When things don’t go as planned, when you find yourself out of sorts, when people don’t follow through, try a touch of compassion for yourself and for the other person.  The practice is one I have learned from Pema Chodron, a Buddhist author of The Places that Scare You, A Guide to Fearless Living in Difficult Times.

Pema suggests that compassion is a tool for maintaining our flexibility and open heartedness.  She calls this particular practice one of sharing the heart.  Whenever we find ourselves encountering pain from any source, ourselves or another, we breathe into our heart.  “It’s a way of acknowledging when we are closing down and of training to open up.”  As we breathe into our heart, we acknowledge our pain and then we think of others experiencing similar pain.  Following this practice has an amazing effect of softening our response, expanding our options.

Recently when I was stuck in an familiar problem about my checkbook not balancing, I turned to this practice.  By staying with my feelings, breathing into my heart and sending empathy out to others that have had this experience, I relaxed and became clearer and clam!

Likewise when something delights us, like a sunrise, we can acknowledge the joy it brings, and breathe into our heart that joy or pleasure.  Then we make a wish that others may experience such joy or pleasure.  Using this practice I find adds to the fullness of my experience.

So, when things seem to be heading south or brightening up, take a moment to acknowledge the experience.  While breathing into your heart have compassion for yourself and others or rejoice and wish that others experience this pleasure, also.

Do share how this or similar practices work for you.