The Basics - Compassion: February 2 - 8

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I'm going old school this week. Jaden and Taniya, my son and daughter, have always loved music. Back in 2003 when we first became a family, I didn't appreciate much of the rap music they wanted me to listen to but "Where is the Love?" spoke to me then and speaks to me today.

Lack of understanding leading us away from unity

That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' under

That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' down

It's no wonder why sometimes I'm feelin' under

Gotta keep my faith alive 'til love is found

I've been feeling down these days. Hope feels so far away. We're back to beating up trans kids and blaming immigrants. But what hurts most is the lack of human kindness, care for each other, and respect for those who are different.

So what does mindfulness have to say about it? Remember, mindfulness is paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally. We humans struggle so much with being judgmental. Maybe we're programmed for it, constantly assessing if we are surrounded by friends or foes. However, mindfulness tells us we are not prisoners to our thoughts and bias. We can decide to practice love.

Mindfulness also reminds us that this is an inside job. If the voice in my head tells me I am shameful and worthless, is it any wonder that I say and think mean things about the people that make me uncomfortable? It is no easy task to opt for compassion when the voices on the outside scream for retribution. But practice we must. Is there really any other choice?

Practice

This part is optional but find a quiet place and listen to "Where is the Love" and allow the words to sink in. That might be enough this week.

Or find a quiet place and listen to the body. Much of the time our body and our mind are in two different places. Mindfulness helps us align our body and our mind in the same place and time. The body is always in the present moment. Be present to the body. How does it feel? What is its energy level? Are there areas of tightness or pain? With each breath, soften into the body more and more. Relax into the present moment.

The mind may try to spin off in a million directions. Whenever you realize the mind has exited the room, return to the breath and the body. Stay here. Come back again and again.

Mindfulness not only helps the mind and the body to become attuned, it also allows the mind and the heart to become attuned. Place your hand on your heart. This simple act already shifts the focus from behind the eyes to a deeper place within. While the mind continues to do its things, tap into the feelings, emotions, the hopes and concerns beneath the surface thoughts. Listen to the silence. Breathe in love and healing. Breathe out fear and anxiety.

Ask yourself, "Where is the love?" Wait for the answer. Once you've found it within, be brave and let it spill over into the rest of the day.