Keep Hope in Your Heart
During this era of unending, distressing situations like political divisiveness, increasing white supremacy, and continued antagonism regarding immigrants, those of us who believe in and work toward a more compassionate world, need to keep hope alive.Doing so can energize our desire to live compassionately. It can encourage others to do the same.
In our Des Moines Circle of Compassion we are discussing Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. He writes about incarceration and the lack of justice in this system. In the latter part of the book, Stevenson reflects on how much hope is needed. He refers to Vaclav Havel, and writes: “The great Czech leader said that hope was the one thing that people struggling in Eastern Europe needed during the era of Soviet domination. Havel said that people struggling for independence wanted money and recognition from other countries; they wanted more criticism of the Soviet empire from the West and more diplomatic pressure. But Havel said these were things they wanted; the only thing they needed was hope. Not that pie in the sky stuff, not a preference for optimism over pessimism, but rather an orientation of the spirit. The kind of hope that creates a willingness to position oneself in a hopeless place and be a witness, that allows one to believe in a better future, even in the face of abusive power. That kind of hope makes one strong.”
In spite of the constant negative news we receive, our world contains many hope-filled situations. Look and listen for them. Draw them into yourself when you begin to question whether who you are and what you are doing in the Boundless Compassion program makes a difference in creating a more compassionate society.
Here are two items filled with hope
Tacoma Refugee choir
What started as a place to sing became a refuge. Founded by Erin Guinup, just as the U.S. was closing its borders to citizens from select countries, the Tacoma Refugee Choir was determined to turn its musical practice into a celebration of human connection by welcoming voices from around the world. Listen to Guinup describe the value of this group and listen to the choir sing.
Sesame Street for children in Refugee Camps
(in the Middle East and other countries) My heart leapt when I watched a significant presentation about this on Sixty Minutes, November 17, 2019 on “Educating the youngest refugees” You can find various YouTube presentations at this site.
Resources
The song by Peter Mayer, “Japanese Bowl,” (referring to bowls whose cracks and imperfections are filled with gold) is especially good for presentations on Self-Compassion. You’ll find the song and lyrics on YouTube.
Kim Voyle of Hillsboro OR ([email protected]) has begun writing a blog on compassion. Kim includes helpful insights from Joan Halifax in her current post on contemplative compassion.
Compassion for Creation. I have an article in the current issue of Ecozoic Studies in which I describe how Thomas Berry’s work has influenced my recognition for having compassion for creation
Be sure to send information on BC programs/projects you are leading or organizing so I can include them in future newsletters.
(Catherine Nerney, The Compassion Connection)
Programs Related to Boundless Compassion
Next month I’ll update you on the wonderful BCF plans and activities that have come my way. Stay tuned.
I Love You and I Am Sorry
Sit with your feet on the floor and your eyes closed. Take a few deep breaths. Now imagine your loved one in front of you. Look deeply into this person’s eyes. If it feels right, tenderly cup his or her face in your hands. Let your heart expand and fill with love, acceptance, and compassion for this person. When you are ready, say, “I love you and I am so sorry.” Surround him or her with light.Continue to breathe deeply. When this feels complete, open your eyes and take a long cleansing breath.
(Spirit Embraced, Kim Colella)
