We, humans, have built-in neural circuits that help us sense how others might be feeling. Fear and empathy are ingrained in us through evolution over millions of years.
When I detach from the drama of emotions and thoughts, it can open space and build reserves for empathy. When I loosen the grip of reactive thinking patterns using other tools in the series – beginner’s mindset, awareness, and being a witness, acceptance, letting go, generosity, equanimity, etc. – it can help vitalize, reactivate, and strengthen the empathy circuits.
Compassion helps me think and act from the place of abundance to help others – it nurtures space to hold others with loving care – it helps heal and connect.
The fears, hurt feelings, trauma, or imprint of memories of the past from this life and past lives embedded in my subconscious mind can have tremendous control over the weather of thoughts and emotions passing through me. My mind can attach to them and make their grip even stronger.
Forgiveness is letting go of hurt feelings and grudges. I can use my awareness and empathy to realize where I might be hurting others knowingly or unknowingly, and let the bindings soften and go.
Namaste – Michchhami Dukkadam: નમસ્તે – મિચ્છામિ દુક્કડમ 😊 🙏🏼
Recently, I gleaned an insightful nugget from Dr. Uday Shah’s video: I am a reflector of energy, constantly interacting with and affecting everyone connected to me. What am I reflecting into the world? Can I become a channel for positive ripples, healing, warmth, and nurturing? Can I become aware of the negativity and fear within me and release them through my heart and exhume them in my spacious awareness? Can I hold all beings in a space of loving kindness and compassion?
From Parmamhans Yogananda: Whispers from Eternity:
By trials may I perfect myself
O Lord of Law, may I wear my scars of trials like deserved medals of chastisement, presented to me my the sacred hands of Thy perfect justice.
Let my daily difficulties act as antidotes against the delusion and rid me of false hopes of worldly happiness.
May the tears that flow from me at others’ cruel actions wash away from my mind some hidden tint.
Let each sharp stroke of the pickax of unpleasantness expose within me new wisdom depths.
May the unhallowed darkness of ordinary existence so frighten me that I rushingly seek Thy realm of purity and light.
Let life’s sudden sword thrusts force from me only a cry for Thy succor.
May the hurtful diggings of circumstance into the soil of my being uncover the ever bubbling wellspring of Thy solace.
Let the ugliness of unkindness in others impel me to make myself beautiful with loving-kindness.
May harsh speech from my companions remind me to use sweet words always.
If stones from evil minds are cast at me, let me send in return only missiles of goodwill.
As a jasmine vine sheds it flowers over the hands delivering ax blows as its roots, so, on all who act inimically toward me may I shower the blossoms of forgiveness.
> Clarify My Mind: 1 of 12: Wonder and Lightness of a Beginner
> Clarify My Mind: 2 of 12: Be a Witness and not a Judge, Be Always Aware
> Clarify My Mind: 3 of 12: Accept, Allow, Let It Be
> Clarify My Mind: 4 of 12: Let Go
> Clarify My Mind: 5 of 12: Trust or Faith or Belief
> Clarify My Mind: 6 of 12: Patience
> Clarify My Mind: 7 of 12: Generosity – Give
> Clarify My Mind: 8 of 12: Leading with the Inner Compass
> Clarify My Mind: 9 of 12: Gratitude
> Clarify My Mind: 10 of 12: Equanimity
> Clarify My Mind: 11 of 12: Empathy, Compassion, and Forgiveness
> Clarify My Mind: 12 of 12: Surrender