Part Two: Compassion
By Cristin Lowe
So I began by challenging you to dig up the courage to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart, to not hold back, and be honest. Do you like that story? Admitting you’re not perfect isn’t fun or easy, and it’s easy to beat yourself up. So that’s where part two of your challenge comes in: compassion.
The Dalai Lamai once said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” I would go a step further and say that it’s not possible to have compassion for others until you can have compassion for yourself. Otherwise, you’re only going to end up feeling alone, worn out, and uncared for. Commit to giving one of the best gifts you can ever give to yourself.
Notice your self-judgment. People going through divorce often times blame themselves, obsess about the things they think they did wrong, and beat themselves up for how they’re feeling. Next time you begin judging yourself, consciously make a decision to practice compassion. Choose to shift your feelings of anger and resentment towards those of caring and understanding. And don’t judge yourself for judging!
Professor Arthur Jersild describes compassion as the ultimate and most meaningful embodiment of emotional maturity. It is only through compassion that a person achieves the highest peak and deepest reach in his or her search for self-fulfillment. So make the choice to practice compassion every day.