RESOURCE AND RADIATE

“A compassionate heart radiates rays of beauty
that remove the clouds of million hearts.” 
― Amit Ray

Here we are. Deep in the vast unknown. And if you are reading this I hope it means you are safe, healthy, okay, and making it through.  And if like me, you feel connected to the people you love (even virtually), and you have enough food, and sunshine, and resources- then maybe you are also wondering how live in this paradox of deep suffering in so much of the world while having what you need. 

Guilt and shame are unhelpful. They simply weight us down, immobilize us and bring us into collapse.
Maybe you've tasted this as well.

But resourcing ourselves from the inside out, only gives us more to give!
I learned this first as a parent- that without getting my bare minimum needs met, I was parenting from an empty bucket, which left me resentful and exhausted. It's the oxygen mask rule. We can't help the person next to us if we're unconscious!

So I've been taking advantage of having more time and space, less driving/errands/busyness/stress, to recharge. My practice is deepening, my time outside is increasing, etc...and what I notice is that when I don't deny my own joy, pleasure, rest- I am inspired to offer to the world in whatever way I can.

Having a compromised immune system, I cannot be on the frontlines in the way I feel drawn to. But I can offer my whole heart to my dancers twice a week for our Awaken The Dance Zoom classes. I can offer my compassionate presence to my coaching clients, family, friends, womxn's group participants, neighbors, etc... And I can engage in regular compassion practice.

When I take a moment to notice how much gratitude and privilege I have, I offer it back out. May all beings have what they need. When I notice my heart is full and my body is joyful- may all beings feel love and loved.
For some of us, there is not much we can physically DO in this moment beyond making masks, donating, running errands for those who can't, etc..so do the things you're doing and add in some radiating out compassion! Add in some sending out to the world, the goodness you experience. We all feel it when the world is happening and all is dark, which means, hopefully, we can also all feel it when a cricial mass is sending out love, compasion, hope, and more. Boogie on down the playlist (playlists page), get deep into the wisdom of our body, send it out far and wide, and see what happens!