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Nancy Park
Nancy's Mind Ramblings ~ Tuning in to "Synchronicity"~the simultaneous occurrence of events that appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection |
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The Compassionate Self
This month has brought with it stunning losses with the devastating earthquakes in Nepal, the destruction caused by tornados and flooding, disasterous train accident in New York and even the loss, upon our streets, of young people who made poor decisions, as well as those who protect and serve, losing their lives in the course of this duty to us.
It's enough to make you avoid the news. So many fall innocent victim to Mother Nature and her indescriminent paths. Still others become victims of violence. Regardless of the origin, suffering is the outcome. How then, could these things possibly be of any service to us? By affording us the great blessing of service to others.
We have seen natural disasters of one kind or another where there is such devastation and loss of life. As the pictures and stories unfold, our hearts go out to those affected and for many of us, we find a silent gratitude within, fortunate we were spared these tragedies. In these instances, there can be great empathy, as, being aware we all of the same family, its not difficult to imagine the affect these disasters would have upon our own lives. Naturally, empathy can often be accompanied by a natural sense of fear, which can feel much like when we assist someone who has lost a loved one, we are very sad, we try to say something healing, do something to help, but deep down, we fear this loss in our own life, and sometimes seek to distance ourselves from that fear. We are unconsciously aware of the delicate balance between we who are fortunate and those who move through overwhelming struggles, but this comes to the forefront when we are barraged with images of destruction, loss of life and the destructive power of Nature, and man.
As I'm sure many can attest, we have all seen where these cataclysmic events, these times of great need, bring others who would step in to offer whatever they can do. I believe tragedies of any kind, bring about the greatest opportunities for the expansion of our humanity, in the extending of our love and compassion throught prayer, thoughtful intent and action. I would go further to say that these events may well be the glue, the bond to that fabric of who we all really are, a hallmark of our soul.
Scientists study our origins, whatever belief system you may or may not have, the science points to our earth, even our own moon, as all being from the same "material" structure. Dynamic collisions, this way or that, chipping off here and there, a bit of this planet, a piece of that moon, all that collesque, formed by the circling of a field of gravity, into the planet we inhabit - "the stuff of the stars" - taken in its literal meaning, biblical (as in the formation by "God" of man from the mud of earth, etc.) or scientific "the big bang" - all leads back to the same "element". Everything that exists upon this planet, came into form from the same origins.
And so it is, that all things, are one thing.
The best side of people is often hidden. We are offered the opportunity to extend the deepest, most loving part of ourselves, without any reservations, to another, to our fullest and theirs, in these moments of tragedy. We are provided such an overwhelming gift in our capacity to love another through action, in these times. I do not attempt to diminish, in any way, the depth of loss and grief which happens, but rather shine a light on the gift of our being able to bring forth our truest selves at these times, putting another before us. Extending whatever love and compassion we are capable of, in order to facilitate healing the self - the One self. The gift lay not in what happened, but rather how we will respond to it, the action which transmutes it from what it has become, to what it can be. All that is needed, is the extension of the compassionate self towards another. Whether its one on one, or extending healing to the masses.
It’s rare in our everyday lives that we truly contemplate the suffering of strangers.
Many historic figures have made references to this understanding:
- "Compassion is the keen awareness of the interdependance of all things."-Thomas Merton
- "Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive."-The Dalai Lama
- "Love one another."-Jesus
- "We are one, after all, you and I, together we suffer, together exist and forever will recreate each other."-Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
- "Love is the affinity which links and draws together the elements of the world... Love, in fact, is the agent of universal synthesis."-Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Healing can take place through many expressions. We've all heard "sending love and light". Not something to be taken lightly. Studies have shown that the power of intention, sometimes through "prayer", which is really holding that soul in your heart and sending mental healing and love towards them, can have an extremely powerful effect. This action done alone, or in the company of others, for example a healing service or prayer group, is but one powerful way in which we can "intend" love and healing for others. Actions, of course, our physical presence, the giving of our time, or our abundance is yet another for those who can.
Despite the appearance of the opportunities we are afforded by these events, we are provided by their existence, limitless options to express our love and compassion. To exercise our true nature, in the service of another.
Three rules I live by:
- The first is be kind.
- The second is, be kind.
- The third is, be kind.
Take a moment to send loving, healing thoughts towards those who are less fortunate than yourselves in any way. Take action if you can, reach down to what it is you yourself would be most grateful for, should it be you upon which this unfolded.
Express your true nature, that of a compassionate soul.
Many blessings~
Nanc
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