August’s thought was one that I was conscious about every single day. This one was a tough one to stay with, it threw up many false notions about myself. The degree of compassion often only extends to where my ideas and beliefs are not at odds.
Compassion means being able to pause, reflect and respond.
Compassion means listening completely, including silences.
Compassion means a deep sense of oneness, it cannot exist in separateness.
Compassion means being of service, not being attached.
Compassion is easier with people outside of your immediate family where the opportunity for friction is less.
Just a placeholder post while I let this thought linger.
anonymous sadhaka 
Is it just a placeholder? The sutras are short and concise. Your insights can be, too. I like what you said about listening including the silences. I needed that.
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This one was a tough thought to stay with. I thought I was reasonably compassionate until I let it become the yardstick of my actions. And then I saw that I came up short, at less obvious levels.
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This is an interesting line:
Compassion is easier with people outside of your immediate family where the opportunity for friction is less.
Could also be because with the immediate family you’re there for the longer haul and living with the consequences – good or bad – of it, while outside of it, you can practice and come back to your life – what I call “compassion tourism”?
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Possibly. Perhaps also a function of motive, intention. If I have to be brutally honest, it is a function of wanting to put my most presentable self forward with those outside of my immediate family. With those closest to us, it is hard work to make that effort, to be patient and really listen. Of course, I only speak for myself.
Compassion tourism sounds a tad bit cynical. But the practice of it even in that measure would add to the overall cultivation of it, I would think. Thank you for sharing your point of view, it aids me.
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>With those closest to us, it is hard work to make that effort, to be patient and really listen.
Yes, this is what I was referring to.
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Hope you are walking, lingering well. At this time, as i felt you need it yourself as much. I just hope new year came with newer, refreshing possibilities. Do keep writing.
Nara x
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