Compassion

Compassion

There are times when things get trying, when there is a sense of being off balance.  The past few weeks have been like that, and my husband and I have been confronted with the need for patience, faith, and daily discipline. Regardless of how we feel, we must continue with our commitments. It’s the small things that build the foundation: keeping good food in house, making the bed, not letting the laundry pile up, exercising, getting fresh air, and finding ways to connect to others. It’s the little, daily routines that support us during times of unrest and difficulty.

Lately, I have been having a hard time sleeping, and I feel such a craving for compassion. The compassion needs to happen in the night and the days, when I am tired and frustrated. In addition to continuing with my daily commitments, I have found that being more compassionate to myself and  those around me can be supportive and helpful.

• Acceptance. Patience. Tenderness. Deep Listening.

The other night, my husband and I took time to think about one another’s week. I thought about what his week was like, and he thought about what my week was like. I listed all the things he handled during the week — lots of work meetings, supporting me through many sleepless nights, and having fun playing music with his friends. He then listed my week — struggling with a sleeping problem, going to work tired, seeking resources, and trying to take care of myself.

It was such a tender moment to share in the truth of each other’s week, to acknowledge the real stories, honestly, with compassion. This is the the true commitment: the daily care for another person’s body and soul. Tender, simple love, full of compassion, surrendering to the moments.