COMPASSION RETURNS US TO OUR HUMANITY
By: Kelly Caul, MSW, LCSW, SEP (she/her)
The practice of compassion is essential to living an embodied, connected, full life. Compassion is our ability to witness and embrace the suffering, pain, vulnerability, and discomfort within ourselves and others - with a heartfelt intention to hold space, and offer support and care.
As we experience suffering in our own lives, as well as when we hear about the suffering going on across the globe - especially the violence happening to the people of Ukraine, and the oppression of trans and queer folks here in this country - compassion as a practice can be an invaluable anchor.
Compassion reminds us to treat ourselves with kindness and care, andcompassion calls us to witness the suffering of others and stand in solidarity. Compassion knows how deeply interconnected we all are.
When we do not have the capacity to turn towards suffering - in a way that feels resourced and grounded, the overwhelm of the suffering can lead to numbing, disconnection, complacency, shutting down. We become disembodied - disconnected from our own vitality. Since we cannot selectively numb out certain emotions or experiences, in these moments we also disconnect from the joy and pleasures in our lives.
To practice compassion is to notice and sense when you start to numb and disconnect, and then find a way to return to your body, experience your feelings and sensations, and then embrace care.
Compassion is a pathway embodiment.
Compassion reminds us of our interconnectedness.
Compassion returns us to our humanity.
So however this finds you today,
May you turn towards the most vulnerable parts of you with compassion and care.
May you turn towards others with compassion and care.
May you turn towards the planet with compassion and care.
Hands on heart,
Kelly (she/her)
A Compassion Practice
I invite you to receive what resonates and leave the rest.
as I place my hand on my heart,
I remember the spaces where I have felt safe enough
to show up as my whole self.
as I feel my feet on the ground,
I remember an experience
when I felt seen for who I am.
as I invite my shoulders to drop,
I remember someone in my life
who has held me with care and compassion.
as I invite my exhale to lengthen,
I remember a time when I was able to respond to the vulnerable parts of myself
with tenderness and care.
as I invite my jaw to soften,
I remember an experience when I witnessed someone else in their suffering.
