Snowdrops have arisen from the dark soil with their white petals like angel wings,spreading a message of hope and joy.
Snowdrops would not be able to emerge without the compassion of nature. Light, sunshine, water and earth have continually offered their nourishment throughout the whole winter, allowing the bulbs to grow and become beautiful flowers. In turn, these flowers give us the most welcome signs of hope and joy, the message that spring is not too far away.
Our process of growth is not too dissimilar. The dark soil of our soul can be a rich compost if we give ourselves the elements of compassion that we need to flourish.
Sometimes a pain can feel so tangible and strong, and yet, just like ice melting under the sunshine, even a deep and painful sensation can dissipate under the warmth of self-compassion and kind awareness. Everything changes all the time; sensations, feelings and thoughts, the weather, life circumstances, people, and situations…nothing stays the same.
Mindfulness invites us to explore these inner and outer changes with patience, curiousity and kindness. We can recognise our tendencies to push away, to ignore or suppress and then allow a different response to take place. Attending to experience with a warm, mindful, open, and compassionate gaze.
“I would love to live like the river flowscarried by the surpriseof its own unfolding”John O’Donoghue
It takes courage to unveil the layers of our inner landscape but as the Venerable meditation master Thich Nhat Hanh said:
In this period of transition from winter to spring, you may find it helpful to pause often in the day, even for a few minutes. Befriending yourself like an old friend, asking with a caring and open mind: “how are you feeling right now (thoughts, sensations, feelings)? Keep away from the stories, just exploring the felt sense of the present moment experience with warmth and kindness. Then rest your attention on the sensations of breathing or the contact with the chair and the floor for a while. At the end you may like to ask, “what would be a kind thing to give myself today – or this week?” or “What do I need at the moment?” Keep it simple.
Compassion and self-care may sound selfish and yet, these are the essential nutrients we need to grow well and to sustain caring for others in the long run. It is an act of kindness to everyone else around us. Both our suffering and our compassion can become excellent tools to help others flourish.
Please be kind to yourself.