tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333756133945851825.post2020369776403226168..comments2011-10-15T01:18:12.382-07:00Comments on Yoga Journeys: Compassion starts with yourselfdragonflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09477118577974071974noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333756133945851825.post-7046530793058059402009-03-10T00:22:00.000-07:002009-03-10T00:22:00.000-07:00You really are so good at finding the key issues t...You really are so good at finding the key issues that I have - this is a big one for me. I decided a few years ago that compassion is probably the key to everything in my life - the reminding myself to come to center and be forgiving and loving towards myself, the jerk that cut me off on the freeway, etc. - it helps me feel so much better about myself and everyone else around me, and it touches into all the other little areas that I personally work on: it helps me not to gossip, it helps me to be reasonable with goals for myself (weight issues, professional goals, life goals - you name it), it helps me relate to my family members who otherwise annoy the crap out of me, it helps me be patient and live in the moments that aren't the easiest. Compassion for myself allows me to acknowledge that, yes, the current situation/issue (whatever it may be) sucks and I wouldn't wish it on anyone else - but I'm glad it's happening to me because I can breathe through it and let it go and not let it ruin my day/life/whatever. Just saying or thinking the word 'compassion' instantly makes me put my big-girl pants on and cope with life from a kinder, lighter perspective with the reminder that my problems are so incredibly small and that I can, if I let myself, step outside of them. And on the frequent occasions when I fail to be reasonable, or when I am unkind, I eventually do come around again and am reminded of all the facets of Compassion, and my missteps and poor choices are thrown into relief, and it puts me back towards the path of peace with myself and the universe. I know exactly what you're talking about as a teacher; I come from a family of teachers, and I will one day be a teacher again myself (crossing fingers) - that facade of perfection comes at a very steep price sometimes, and I'm personally not sure how I will approach it when the day (hopefully!) comes when I will be maneuvering my way down that path again. May we both feel that inner peace that allows real heartfelt compassion come through!! I know I wish it for myself, and I definitely wish it for you!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13399331179692022562noreply@blogger.com