Feel Good Tuesday ~ A Cup of Compassion

This morning, one of my students opened our class with an attunement, our meditative practice at the beginning of each morning to focus our energy – spiritually, physically, emotionally, and intellectually.

Compassion Flower

Her attunement was to shine the light on simple acts of caring and compassion. She shared with us a moment she experienced just today while waiting for the ferry. As she waited in line, she noticed a man who had slept on the ground the night before, apparently homeless. She watched as he sat up, smoothed his clothing, folded his blanket, neatly, and brushed his hair, readying himself for the day while his companion was still sleeping.

My student noticed another man as he got out of his car and approached the man who had slept on the ground. They had a brief conversation then the man returned to his car. A minute or two later, he emerged, carrying two cups of hot, steaming coffee. He gave both of them to the man, a cup for him and a cup for his companion.

As my student described this early-morning exchange, she said she was struck not only by what she had witnessed, but also by the simplicity of what it means and what it takes to care for our brothers and sisters: a little time… attention… generosity… and a heart of kindness.

Pass It On!

Read Full Post »

Feel Good Tuesday ~ Radical Hospitality

Last Sunday, I was a guest minister at a Seattle church. The people were very warm, welcoming, and open, and I felt very much at home. Responding to the pastor’s invitation to move from our pews to greet people we didn’t know, we joyously engaged in “radical hospitality.” How could he have known I’d be writing a post about this very topic?!

What is radical hospitality? It’s genuine kindness and generosity not because you know someone; it’s kindness and generosity just because.

– Because we are in love with God… and we see and experience God’s love in others.

– Because we are our sister’s and brother’s keepers.

– Because we share a home – this great blue and green marble we call planet Earth – and we want others to feel welcome in our home.

– Because we must care for our home  so that, as gracious stewards, we pass on a worthy inheritance to our children and our children’s children.

– Because we must be about legacy living, about planting trees whose shade we might never enjoy.

The greatest force on earth is not compulsion of law. It is compassion of love. ~ Unknown

Pass It On!

Read Full Post »

Feel Good Tuesday ~ Love

What the world needs now is love in all of its diverse expressions—empathy, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, passion, gratitude, kindness. Who will you say “I love you” to today? What word of encouragement will you whisper in their ear? Who will you feed with your smile? What a difference love makes.

Here are just a few of our sisters and brothers who have made a difference through the power of love.

Tina Allen •  Ella Baker •  Josephine Baker  •  Mary McLeod Bethune •  John E. Fetzer •  Mary Jane Gillespie  • 
Dr. Eva Jessye  •  Jesus  •   Helen Keller  •   Coretta Scott King •  Denise Klein •  Abraham Lincoln  •   Dr. Wangari Maathai •  Nelson Mandela   •   Earnest McEwen, Jr. •  Michelle Obama •  Julieanna Richardson •  Albert Schweitzer •   Mother Teresa  •  Archbishop Desmond Tutu  •  Tamara Woodbury

Tell me, what difference is your love making today?

Pass It On!

Read Full Post »

Feel Good Tuesday ~ Celebrating the Power of the Personal Village

As I reflect the many people–parents, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, & neighbors–who poured blessings into my life, I think about the power & blessings of family… the power and blessing of community. It didn’t matter if the folks in my community were related to me or not, I fondly hold them in my heart as members of my Personal Village.

What if we offered ourselves as ally and guide to others–as steward in the Personal Village of someone we love and beyond?

– Because when we open ourselves to others, we invite them into our lives, which opens the window of collaboration… and to celebrating the people in our midst and beyond.

– Because when we celebrate and lift others up, it becomes easier to address challenges in relationships, communities, and the world around us.

– Because when we reach out to address challenges, we create a golden pathway that leads to opportunity, creativity, and possibility.

– Because when we set our table with the feast of possibility, we provide bread for the journey for those who suffer adversity and calamity.

– Because when we honor and respect those who suffer and those who are vulnerable, we extend compassion, sanctuary, and peace.

– Because when we tender peace, we pour loving balm into small and great injuries and wounds-our own and others’.

Each moment, a ray of light. Each conversation, a gesture of hope. Each day, another prayer, another stitch. And so, we mend our world.

Mighty blessings to you… and to the keepers in your Personal Village.

Pass It On!

Read Full Post »

Feel Good Tuesday ~ Self-Compassion

When you say something you later regret or you make a mistake, do you go into churn mode—where you turn it over and over in your mind and hammer yourself along the way? I do. Or, as a recovering churner, I will say I used to. So this advice is for me and you.

Forgive yourself. Then let it go.

As you let it go, promise yourself that you’ll bathe yourself in the same kind of compassion that you so easily lavish on others. And remember that self-compassion goes a long way. It helps us:

– Love ourselves—flaws and all.

– Know that we’re all works in progress—and not just any work. You are a marvelous masterpiece in the making.

– Practice softening our eyes and the rest of our bodies, so we can see ourselves as God sees us.

– Know that life-long learning doesn’t have to cost of anything more than a look in the mirror.

– Be on purpose so we can choose differently next time around.

Pass It On!

When you say something that you later regret or you make a mistake, do you go into churn mode—where you turn it over and over in your mind and hammer yourself along the way? I do. Or, as a recovering churner, I will say I used to. So this advice is for me and you.

Forgive yourself. Then let it go.

As you let it go, promise yourself that you’ll bathe yourself in the same kind of compassion that you so easily lavish on others. And remember that self-compassion goes a long way. It helps us:

Love ourselves—flaws and all.

Know that we’re all works in progress—and not just any work. You are a marvelous masterpiece in the making.

Practice softening our eyes and the rest of our bodies, so t we can see ourselves as God sees us.

Know that life-long learning doesn’t have to cost of anything more than a look in the mirror.

Be on purpose so we can choose differently next time around.

Pass It On!

Read Full Post »