Compassion is a Survival Tool

For this moment only, I will not attach to thoughts of anger

For this moment only, I will not attach to thoughts of worry

I am grateful

I am true to my direct experience

I am compassionate to myself and others

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After listening to the news yesterday, my Friday morning contemplation of the precepts* had to be creative. I skipped right to the last precept during my meditation and connected with all the people I know who are angry and disheartened with current political events.

It took me awhile, but I felt my heart opening. I got to a place where all I could feel was compassion for others. So many of my clients are experiencing stress and anxiety. I also felt compassion for myself. I became the compassion.

Compassion was everything.

I feel so much clearer after meditating.

I wish I could write that as a healer I am always grounded, composed and centered. That, unfortunately, is not my true experience. I can write that I am completely committed to radical self-care, whatever it takes to stay connected to the sacred space within myself. I know that I have to hold the peace internally before I can create peace externally. Meditation is the foundation of this commitment.

Today, though, I am also going to book a healing for myself.

* The precepts are the guidelines of the spiritual path of Reiki given to us by Reiki founder Mikao Usui.

Jeri Lawson has a full-time healing practice in the Temescal Area of Oakland, California. She is available for Healing Touch, Reiki, and Clarity Breathwork sessions Monday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm. 510-601-9632