vigilance

(Source: godisinyou)

wordslessspoken:

What should I do when old wounds appear? How can I cope with the pain? I’m afraid my emotions will burst out. (Anonymous asked)

Thich Nhat Hahn says that compassion is like having a sore spot in us. We are aware of it and treat it tenderly. Old wounds are like that also. They become opportunities to extend compassion to ourselves. Buddha says that, “You, as much as anyone in the entire universe, deserve your love and respect.” 

See the pain inside you. Acknoweledge it. Thich Nhat Hahn says that we should handle our painful emotions the way you would hold a newborn baby, gently. You don’t have to act on them, run from them, or get rid of them immediately. Just breathe, acknowledge that you are hurting and name it. Give yourself permission to feel the way you do and just be present. Practice extending metta (loving-kindness) to yourself, your loved ones, strangers, and as you can, to those who hurt you. Remember that hurting people hurt people. Imagine what wounds they must also carry inside themselves to cause them to hurt others. It does not excuse their actions, but it helps us to see them differently and eventually with compassion.

The next time you have these painful emotions arise, take just a moment to breathe and acknowledge them. Perhaps last time they arrived you instantly panicked or reacted in fear, anger, or aversion. In that moment that you pause, realize that this time you have the power to choose differently. You can experience your feelings and emotions but not allow them to control you and wreak havoc in other areas of your life.

I wish you well. May you be happy. May you be at peace. May you be whole. May you live with ease.

Namaste