Unveiling Compassion

Compassionate Communication. Doesn’t that sound lovely.

How wonderful would it be if the whole of mankind could make compassion the foundation of all interactions? Is that even possible?

This is my question and my quest. I am coming to it from a place of attempting to work out where I really am with conflict. What are my limiting beliefs and where are my blind spots. In essence, what is my ‘truth’ and what is the fantasy around conflict and compassion that I have created for myself.

To help me, with this question I have signed up to the Compassion Course Online a 12 month online course… “discovering skills and practices that empower us humans to move through conflict skilfully, carefully, without hurting or hating – (gaining) ways to have more clarity, understanding and harmony while keeping our well-being and passion intact.” Thom Bond.

So, here’s where I am at the start of this journey.

I know that conflict is a natural occurrence in all communities. How could it not be? As humans we have conflicting thoughts and emotions, not just with each other but even within ourselves. One of the biggest fears in starting this journal is exposing my internal contradictions.

One day I think/feel one thing, another day my thoughts and feelings may be completely in opposition. When it comes to relationships that challenge me, I can be both caring and judgmental in equal measures. How is that possible? I actually don’t know. Can both experiences coexist or am I deluding myself?

If I can’t get alignment in my own thoughts and feelings, how do I sort out embracing conflict in my relationships, community and in the world? This is a task I intend explore over the next 12 months. It is likely to be a voyage of challenge and discovery, full of ups and downs, fears and conflicts.

Can I take it on? Only time will tell. However, I have always believed that sharing our truths and fears in each moment is the route through to greater understanding and compassion in the world, so working with this daily vision to live more consciously is really the only road to take.