Thank you, Wayne, for this insightful essay. I agree with you on all counts! Two things came to mind… first, when Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself”. This is an often misunderstood passage - and I myself could not understand it until I began living as my true self. Our love for ourselves is found in becoming our true, authentic self and enables us to love others as you have so wisely pointed out here.
Second, the word “Compassion” kept coming to mind. What you have described is the tender art of compassion for others - realizing that their misbehavior comes from a hurt or scar or misbelief about themselves when we are interacting with them. As you said, finding compassion is simple but not easy!
Thank you, Korie for your kind, and thoughtful response. I deeply appreciate it and agree. I think you are correct that we cannot truly follow Jesus words until we discover and live as our true selves!
I love the description of the “Tender art of compassion”. We need a lot more of that in our world today. It is my dream for our world to wake up and discover who we truly are and live our lives, embracing that compassion and love for one another.
Thank you, Wayne. It is interesting how myths work around the world to help humanity remember who they are... Did you know that the Monk story is the opening scene of « Les Miserables » by Victor Hugo? My biggest lesson of compassion and kindness have always been with my « abusive » parents. With my present eyes, I would say now that rather than abusive, they were too lost and immature to be fit parents but it took me a few decades to arrive there and finding compassion for my mother just became possible for me a few months ago when I realized how many of her behaviors were unconscious. She lives in total darkness and no torchbearer has been able to light her heart yet, not even me. This is very sad. Lots of love.
Thank you Geraldine for your engaging response! Always good to hear from you. I had actually lost track of the story’s origin, but you’re right. Story and myth are gifts to help us remember!
I’m sorry to hear of your difficult relationship with your parents. That is the difficult part of being a torchbearer. There are no guarantees their eyes will be open to see what you can see. But I do believe as you have experienced seeing others in the midst of their unconsciousness, even abusiveness, for who they are makes our lives experience better. Understanding the brokenness from which people respond enables us to better navigate the pain they inflict with compassion rather than anger and confusion.
Many blessings! Thanks for being a torch bearer ❤️
Thank you, Wayne, for this insightful essay. I agree with you on all counts! Two things came to mind… first, when Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself”. This is an often misunderstood passage - and I myself could not understand it until I began living as my true self. Our love for ourselves is found in becoming our true, authentic self and enables us to love others as you have so wisely pointed out here.
Second, the word “Compassion” kept coming to mind. What you have described is the tender art of compassion for others - realizing that their misbehavior comes from a hurt or scar or misbelief about themselves when we are interacting with them. As you said, finding compassion is simple but not easy!
Thank you, Korie for your kind, and thoughtful response. I deeply appreciate it and agree. I think you are correct that we cannot truly follow Jesus words until we discover and live as our true selves!
I love the description of the “Tender art of compassion”. We need a lot more of that in our world today. It is my dream for our world to wake up and discover who we truly are and live our lives, embracing that compassion and love for one another.
Many blessings!
Thank you, Wayne. It is interesting how myths work around the world to help humanity remember who they are... Did you know that the Monk story is the opening scene of « Les Miserables » by Victor Hugo? My biggest lesson of compassion and kindness have always been with my « abusive » parents. With my present eyes, I would say now that rather than abusive, they were too lost and immature to be fit parents but it took me a few decades to arrive there and finding compassion for my mother just became possible for me a few months ago when I realized how many of her behaviors were unconscious. She lives in total darkness and no torchbearer has been able to light her heart yet, not even me. This is very sad. Lots of love.
Thank you Geraldine for your engaging response! Always good to hear from you. I had actually lost track of the story’s origin, but you’re right. Story and myth are gifts to help us remember!
I’m sorry to hear of your difficult relationship with your parents. That is the difficult part of being a torchbearer. There are no guarantees their eyes will be open to see what you can see. But I do believe as you have experienced seeing others in the midst of their unconsciousness, even abusiveness, for who they are makes our lives experience better. Understanding the brokenness from which people respond enables us to better navigate the pain they inflict with compassion rather than anger and confusion.
Many blessings! Thanks for being a torch bearer ❤️