Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it. ~ from Mary Oliver’s poem Sometimes How does one cultivate compassion? Why should we even bother? Mary Oliver answers these questions in just 12 words. If we read between the lines we will find the beautiful gifts we give and receive from compassion cultivation.Continue reading “How to Cultivate Compassion in 12 Words”
Tag Archives: compassion
The Mountains Are Calling: Come Nurture Courage, Compassion & Connection
The moment I drove onto Mount Desert Island in Maine, the home of Acadia National Park, my entire body tingled with the excitement of seeing and experiencing nature’s beauty and the challenge of exploring her varied terrain in hiking boots. So far this summer, I have explored three National Parks. And I am so grateful!!!Continue reading “The Mountains Are Calling: Come Nurture Courage, Compassion & Connection”
Lovingkindness Notes – Opening Our Hearts
Posted next to my front door is a postcard I received from attending a retreat led by Sharon Salzberg. The postcard reads, “Do a simple act of kindness everyday.” I placed it here so that I have the constant reminder to choose kindness, to embody it, to live it. As I have spent these pastContinue reading “Lovingkindness Notes – Opening Our Hearts”
Celebrating Connection: What Grannie Taught Me at Her 100th Birthday Party
Throughout history, the image of a grandmother has been one of a wise old woman who holds the family together while teaching important life lessons. At least once a month I can be heard saying, “As my grandmother says, ‘Put up or shut up.’” Yes, my grandmother taught me to either do something or simplyContinue reading “Celebrating Connection: What Grannie Taught Me at Her 100th Birthday Party”
May We Be Patient: Finding Compassion for Our Inner Sisyphus
Patience and I were enemies for most of my life. Like many of us, I wanted things done yesterday. I wanted to achieve my goals without much effort. I wanted. I wanted. I wanted. NOW! And when “now” did not happen, I felt like a failure or was disappointed or criticized myself harshly. Patience isContinue reading “May We Be Patient: Finding Compassion for Our Inner Sisyphus”