Our daily interactions with the humans around us is a constant back and forth dance. We build boundaries to protect ourselves, yet, we yearn to break those barriers down for a chance at true connection.
Tara Brach, a renowned meditation teacher, suggests, a very simple metaphor for understanding human behaviour.
“Imagine you are walking in the woods and you see a small dog sitting by a tree. As you approach it, it suddenly lunges at you, teeth bared. You are frightened and angry. But then you notice that one of its legs is caught in a trap. Immediately your mood shifts from anger to concern: You see that the dog’s aggression is coming from a place of vulnerability and pain. This applies to all of us. When we behave in hurtful ways, it is because we are caught in some kind of trap. The more we look through the eyes of wisdom at ourselves and one another, the more we cultivate a compassionate heart.” – Tara Brach
Our meditation journey today places our attention on the humans in the world around us, with a reminder to see not just the actions on the surface but to look deeper.
We can learn to set and maintain strong boundaries and yet still love at the same time, because the truth is that hurt people hurt people, and our self-protective reaction to each others’ pain so often just cuts deeper into what are already old wounds. When we remember to see deeper, that there is always a deeper cause to the actions, then we can respond with a strength that comes from love, and we can even hold our boundaries without spilling any more blood.
“Extend an act of kindness each day. No one has to know. It can be a smile, reassuring words, a small favor – without expecting something in return.” – Tara Brach
The true change-makers are those who boldly show up as love while refusing to participate in whatever doesn’t come from love.
“The spiritual path is not a solo endeavor. In fact, the very notion of a self who is trying to free her/himself is a delusion. We are in it together and the company of spiritual friends helps us realize our interconnectedness.” – Tara Brach
Surround yourself with more people who are adamant to live by the rule of love, and who can radiate that love even when they are clearly saying ‘no’.
We are in this together, and the company of ‘strong’ friends helps us step into our own strength too!
A few thoughts to guide your journey:
- When someone triggers you, seek the story beneath. Is there a hidden pain triggering the behavior?
- How can I cultivate daily acts of kindness, big or small?
- Who in my life embodies compassionate strength? Can I let them inspire my own journey?
- We are all in this together. Let’s choose love, even when it feels challenging.
By adopting a perspective of compassionate understanding, we can move beyond the surface anger and hurt, fostering a world where love, not pain, dictates our interactions.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Tonglen.