If we let the mind be just as it is, it is referred to as a wild animal, dragging us from high to low, from reaction to reaction.  We will be led into moments of pleasure and inevitably moments of overwhelm, anger and potentially destructive reactions.  Without intentional awareness of our hearts and minds, we will be riding the rollercoaster of experience without control.  

What if we could experience more freedom and choice? What if we could pause to ask ourselves, how do I want to respond to this event, how do I want to be with my loved one, how can I best move through this painful circumstance? Growing awareness of our minds is what gives us the space to cultivate the inner landscape that serves us best.

In Buddhist philosophy we are taught that one primary aspect of life that we can count on and is consistent is change itself. Impermanence.

This may be the most difficult part of our human condition. The moments we love, the relationships we cherish, our health, will change. Yet to our relief- the hardships, the pain, the hurt- will also change.

We do not have control over the changing nature of life.  We do, however, have influence over our minds. We can grow an inner steadiness that supports us to transform the way we flow through change.

Imagine if we could put thought bubbles around the heads of everyone we encounter walking down the street.  We would soon realize the self-judgmental nature of the human mind.  Not good enough. Not attractive enough. Not successful enough. We all suffer from self judgement and self criticism.

In addition, our consumer driven society intensifies our self-judgement and shame as a means for us to purchase what we perceive will make us “better”.  As a result we live with an unnecessary amount of pain. Our shame limits us from feeling whole and authentic.

With self compassion practice we change the way we relate to ourselves. We learn to hold ourselves with kindness and to truly support ourselves- opening up the possibilities to live with more love.