Imagine a pebble dropped into a still pond. The calm surface shatters, sending ripples outward in ever-expanding circles. This image perfectly captures the impact we have on those around us. Our thoughts, words, and actions create a ripple effect, influencing the lives of others in ways we may never fully comprehend.
Tara Brach, a renowned meditation teacher and psychologist, sheds light on this transformative power. She emphasizes that the quality of our impact – the strength of those ripples – is amplified by our ability to open up to ourselves. It is our ability to find peace and refuge in our own hearts – even in the face of our obvious imperfections – that allows us the vulnerability to connect with others on a deeper level.
“The intimacy that arises in listening and speaking truth is only possible if we can open to the vulnerability of our own hearts. Breathing in, contacting the life that is right here, is our first step. Once we have held ourselves with kindness, we can touch others in a vital and healing way.” – Tara Brach
“In any moment, no matter how lost we feel, we can take refuge in presence and love. We need only pause, breathe, and open to the experience of aliveness within us. In that wakeful openness, we come home to the peace and freedom of our natural awareness.” – Tara Brach
“Most of us need to be reminded that we are good, that we are lovable, that we belong. If we knew just how powerfully our thoughts, words, and actions affected the hearts of those around us, we’d reach out and join hands again and again. Our relationships have the potential to be a sacred refuge, a place of healing and awakening. With each person we meet, we can learn to look behind the mask and see the one who longs to love and be loved.” – Tara Brach
I’ll linger on this point she makes, “… our relationships have the potential to be a sacred refuge, a place of healing and awakening…” but it’s often our own uncertainty and lack of trust in ourselves that make our relationships challenging.
Once we have held ourselves in kindness we become safe in our own company, and then we can touch others in vital and healing ways.
If you can pause, breathe, and get in contact with the LIFE within you, then you’ll find safety in the presence of YOU, and you’ll come home to peace and freedom.
When we become safe within ourselves, our relationships become safe, and reaching out and joining hands becomes the only way to live.
Here are a few questions to ignite self-reflection on your journey:
- Am I present with myself and my emotions?
- Do I extend kindness and compassion to myself?
- Can I see the inherent value in others, even when it’s difficult?
- Have I created enough safety within myself to be vulnerable and connect on a deeper level?
By taking these questions to heart and nurturing a safe, compassionate space within, you can become the source of positive ripples that transform your relationships and the world around you.
Come and join us in today’s circle of love.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Sharing LOVE.