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Compassion

Posted on Feb 9th, 2007 by Wendy : Kindred Spirit Wendy
Rose
Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It's a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity. --Pema Chodron

This quote really speaks to me this morning. I love Pema Chodron and all of her writings. There is so much truth to this quote. I have a lot of empathy for people and this empathy stems from the experiences I've had in my life. "Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others." Who's heart does not also hurt when we see the heartbreak of a friend? How many of us do not understand the loneliness we see around us? How many of us cannot relate to the disappointment of not getting that promotion?

I've not blogged much in the past month. Perhaps it's because it's winter and like a bear, I've been hibernating. I think I've been integrating all the lessons that have been unfolding. But this quote reminded me of our shared humanity and that we are all on the same path.   
Access_public Access: Public 6 Comments Print views (267)  
Tagged with: compassion, Pema Chodron
Jeremias : Lighthouse, Beacon & Seed
7 minutes later
Jeremias said

Thanks for sharing this beautiful truth and flower.   Intentional Compassion, as described by Greg Braden, is a tool for embracing all of our darkness.

Much Love, Gobs of Laughter & Blessed Is,
Jeremiah

http://jeremiah.zaadz.com/blog/2006/5/intentional_compassion

Di : Creator and Creation
about 1 hour later
Di said

This was perfect for my day and week.  Thank you Wendy.  The quote is a keeper and as beautiful as the rose.


xx

Di

otter : Spiritual Off-Roader
about 1 hour later
otter said

So often we fight our times of darkness.  An essential part of surrender is understanding the gifts darkness brings.  That rose is breath-taking.  Thank you for the beautiful start to my day.

about 3 hours later
Bob said

truth, thank you ;o)

about 8 hours later
Katrina said

Happy hibernation-I've been feeling much of that myself these days… this is an incredible photo -I love pink roses-and white roses too-and sometimes red roses-okay so I love roses…

Smiles coming your way
Katrina

2 months later
meetesh said

Thats a beautiful quote .Thanx for sharing.

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