Tough times? Try compassion.
I exchanged email with my former coach recently. I told him that I’d been experiencing some upheaval in my personal life. I admitted to having a lot of insight about the situation, but that I was currently unwilling to let go of the past and the sadness I was feeling. I was unwilling to move towards an uncertain future.
In his typical supportive brilliance, my coach encouraged me to “commit even more deeply to paralysis.” He told me to be the prisoner – and to plan my prison break!
While I have no desire to wallow in despair or play the victim, I can be gentle with myself and move at my own pace. I can ask myself, “what would take the best care of me right now?” (Note: “care” does not equal “self-indulgence.”)
In difficult times, compassion goes a long way. Compassion for ourselves so that we have time to feel our feelings – rather than stuff those feelings down and rush to move on like we think we should – and compassion for others. It is usually true that they are doing the best they can.
The next time you experience a tough time, try to find some compassion. Ask what your feelings are trying to tell you. And ask what – and what pace – would take care of you best.
Wishing everyone compassion!
p.s. Your comments/likes are most welcome on this post at https://www.facebook.com/jenfrankcoaching