Focusing

Out of my head
downward, inward
not my usual place.

I listen, I hear,
making connection
going deeper.

This place,
no words,
just being
present.

Harder, now
in the quiet of my
soul.

--Neal Lemery November, 2010

Compassion

“Compassion is not religious business, it is human business, it is not luxury, it is essential for our own peace and mental stability, it is essential for human survival.”
Dalai Lama

And, first, I must be compassionate to myself. Without me being fully healthy, fully aware, then I cannot act in a healthy, holistic way towards others. I must practice what I intend to preach. I must be congruent with myself, first, and then, towards others.

I am human. And, I am a human being. Not a human doing. And, in my being, I am imperfect, and I can and will err. So be it. It is my nature. But, in my mistakes, I learn and become more self aware. Self awareness leads to understanding, and to growth.

To grow outward requires that I also grow inward. Growing takes energy and commitment, and, most of all, direction. Without direction, without purpose, there is chaos. As a human being, I am here to give direction and purpose to my life, and to move ahead, according to the purpose the Universe instills in me and asks me to follow. I must listen to my heart, and my soul, and to then move ahead, with purpose, with direction.

Just for today, I will take a step forward, intentional, purposeful, and mindful of who I am and why I am here. I will listen to the directions of the Universe, and mobilize my soul energy, moving ahead.

In all of that work, I show compassion for myself, and for all humankind.