2012 has seemingly been one of the most seriously
transformative years in my life’s journey thus far. As our global community has
been exposed to extreme violence, financial despair, and various forms of deep
heartache; such events have challenged my personal way of life and meaning, to
create deep internal change. Not one aspect within me seems to remain the same
since moving through the past 12 months…. a similar situation for many.
This year, people have publicly experienced adults &
children murdered in unimaginable ways, families loose their financial
stability, school systems further dissolve, an election campaign (both sides;))
create fear and hostility towards each other. These things have impacted us
all…even if not directly, one can’t help but be affected as we bear witness to these
circumstances. Our interconnectedness seemingly screams to be understood and
addressed. So easy to continue in the rat race, the hope for moving into the New
Year is that we could begin to nurture one another more efficiently than we
have in the past. For should we continue to close off our hearts to those
around us, we become hardened and that can only further promote internal and
external pain that we have lived through up to this point.
Vulnerability is a challenging aspect to wrestle. So many,
myself included, hold deep emotional scars that prevent us from opening up to
others. Fear drives us deeper within ourselves and only through experiencing
compassion can that fear be penetrated strong enough to encourage healing. But
healing can be done…it’s just going to take one small step at a time in doing
an act of kindness for someone in a way that is uncomfortable to the person
taking action. For example, its easy for me to show compassion by cooking for
others but more difficult for me to be open with what’s really going on in my
heart. I always love to hear other’s stories and provide advice, but it doesn’t
do anyone any good if it’s not balanced by me being open as well. When I open up,
it creates a mutual bond where both myself and the other person can heal. Sure
it may be painful at first to display the baggage that is being carried, but in
the end I find that my ability to trust becomes strengthened and my heart opens
further, thus ultimately give more.
It’s apparent that in order to create a better
local/national/global community the way we conduct ourselves must change to
keep us from further self-destructing. But the traditional saying that ‘change
starts from within’ is a primary ingredient that has to be applied for
effective results. My prayer for moving
into 2013 is that we could consistently practice compassion toward those we
know and don’t know. Like we take care of our physical bodies by exercising
because it’s important, may we take care of others on a daily basis as well. No
act is too small…complimenting someone’s smile, buying someone a meal, having a
conversation with a friend, or just being present for those who need it without
judging can do the trick. These things can help us trade what we have had in
the past for something much more desirable and livable.
May you all be richly blessed in this New Year…have the
ability to dream big and go for it. Life’s too short…if you go for it, you will
find the support you need to succeed and in ways that are surprisingly
fabulous…
Cheers!
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