This year, the main preacher was Edwin Searcy from Vancouver. His messages were diverse, and I find myself still reflecting on his words. I particularly enjoyed his message of compassion, which he described as literally suffering with another. Wow, that sounds intense! Compassion for me used to mean seeking to gain understanding of someone else's perspective and sending them warmth - but suffering with them? Do I really have to?
After hearing this, I began to search for signs of such selfless compassion in others. I was particularly moved by one man there, who in the past I had only spoken with superficially. That day, he humbly explained how he came to adop three young children after his first three had just left the nest.
These children lost their parents when their mother suddenly died of illness and their father abandoned them out of fear of responsibility. This gracious man decided to adopt them all, providing them with a loving and stable home in their familiar community.
The thought of seeing someone sit in the muck of sorrow and pain and deciding to jump in to accompany them may not sound like a tea party but then again, you'd be surprised. When we tend to the needs of others and truly extend compassion, everyone involved is healed.
In yogic terms, the heart centre is our source of love and it's where we can find the strength to suffer with others. The great thing about yoga is you can practice anywhere, anytime. So this week, whether you're relaxing on your lawn chair or working through papers on your desk, start breathing into and out of your heart centre.
Notice how drawing attention to this energy centre cultivates a feeling of infinite love and compassion within. Now with each nourishing intake of breath, imagine the light of your heart growing brighter. On the exhale, visualize yourself sending this light out to someone in need.
Indeed, the practice of compassion can be as easy as taking a few deep, mindful breaths, and extending to others the light of the heart.
Thank you, Ed, for sharing the message of compassion and being an inspiring example of it!
from: www.hfxnews.ca, 2007-08-22
