“Compassion. It’s not just a word. It’s a way of being. It’s not just a concept.
It’s love in action.” Jeff Brown, Author and teacher

Can you imagine yourself as love in action? I like that image and believe that we are love at our core. No problem, then, right? Why, then, is it easier at times to lean more into self-judgment than be compassionate with oneself? Why is it easier to help someone than help ourself? Does it have something to do with feeling worthy of receiving even if it’s from ourself? Hmmm. What does it mean to be compassionate? Can you recall the times you have wanted to help someone who was suffering and you wanted to make things easier for them? Feelings of kindness, sympathy, and empathy emerged when you understood what they were going through. This is an example of being compassionate. Does this sound familiar?

Being love in action is a more conscious way of living. Recently, I had an experience where I would have loved to feel compassion about a situation and the people involved first. Instead, I felt resistance and then self-judgment. I admitted to myself that I’m not being love in action 100% of the time. It took some self-reflection, conversation, and acceptance of myself and others before I shifted. Persian poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic, Rumi, has said “In this earth, in this soil, in this pure field let’s not plant any seed other than seeds of compassion and love.” I agree. Seeds of resistance, judgment, and criticism will not grow a beautiful garden. I don’t want to imagine what kind of desolate landscape they will create. How about you?

I found that when I was able to recognize and let go of the emotions of past hurt feelings – feelings that I thought had long been healed – only then could I enjoy being more of an observer and offer to help. I’ve learned it isn’t my role to “fix” everything, rather, I can be a good listener, supportive of choices being made or offer alternatives if asked. Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has said “Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.” It’s a choice. We can choose to be anything that we want. Compassion is a state of being. Imagine yourself being ‘love in action’. That’s truly who you are. As you shift the image of yourself, what beliefs, perceptions and habits are you willing to change? Are you ready to have more compassion for yourself and others while you are changing?

Please treat yourself with more kindness and tenderness this week. Accept and love yourself more as well! I’m holding space for you and sending lots of love to each one of you!

I’m available for private coaching and channeled information sessions at Storm Wisdom on Tuesdays from 1p – 6p by appointment. Please call Storm Wisdom, (602)334-1204 to schedule. I’m also available by phone or Zoom. To schedule please go to victoriabarna.com.