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“The cultivation of compassion is no longer a luxury, but a necessity if our species is going to survive’ Dalai Lama XIV

Compassion is at the heart of yoga and Reconnectology. It invites a mindful practice that focuses on becoming aware of what is present. This is the first step in compassion - turning towards what you are experiencing; creating a moment to check in; then observing with curiosity as you move, as you breathe. Building tolerance to find steadiness when what you find is hard to be with. The key to this practice is observing without judgment, and recognising when we do, and not judging the judging! 

Compassion is:

the ability to notice, engage with, tolerate and understand distress and difficulties

AND

a commitment to engage in wise action to reduce or prevent distress and difficulties 

We can explore our experience within the many layers that are often present. As we connect with our body as we move, what do we notice? As we connect with our breath, what do we notice? As we explore our thoughts and emotions, what do we notice? Can we bring understanding to our experience? 

Our yoga practice creates a container to see and understand our experience and the experience of others with grounded strength, using our wisdom to be helpful and not harmful in the world. It is holding the wisdom that we are all human beings, that have tricky brains, shaped by our experiences. This is our design. It is knowing that this process is a messy one! Compassion does not make us perfect, or suddenly have a crystal ball to know what is coming. It offers us the space to stand strong, draw on our wisdom, connect with others, and learn. 

Compassion is a motivation, an intention to keep coming back to again and again when we find ourselves acting out of anger and fear. It reminds us that if we are able to bring understanding to it, we can own it and learn to respond differently. It is the antidote to shame. Shame restricts us. Shame disconnects us. We forget the strength and wisdom we have. It also reminds us that stuff is going to get in the way of compassion and that is all part of the practice.