21- Day Meditation Experience Day: 14

Day 14 - Gratitude Brings Compassion

“We are all of one light on this one Earth, and loving humanity makes all the difference.” ― Michelle Cruz-Rosado

Today’s meditation shows us how expressing gratitude easily leads to compassion. We all know that to be spiritual we are supposed to be compassionate, but with all the negativity and injustice we see around us, it’s easy for our egos to feel justified being judgmental and critical.

However, when you find reasons to feel grateful to someone, you are bridging the gulf of separation between the two of you. You can’t be thankful and resentful at the same time. That connection you feel when you are thankful is your shared humanity – it is the ground of compassion. A compassionate heart is accepting and forgiving not only to others, but to yourself as well.


CENTERING THOUGHT

When I have no judgment, I see everyone with kindness.


SANSKRIT MANTRA

Karuna Hum
I am compassion.


JOURNAL:

1. Write down the names of anyone with whom you don’t always see eye to eye with, but would sincerely wish to be kind to.

-my mom
-my boyfriend

But we have learned our differences and how to communicate much better.

2. For each person, write down at least one admirable quality you appreciate in them. Let that feeling of appreciation suggest a gesture of kindness you can make to them.

My mom- her zest for life even thru the bad times. It makes me want to enjoy the small things with her. Like shopping for a pair of shoes at Shoe Carnival. Simple stuff that means alot to her.

My boyfriend- Never complains when helping me. Whether it be drive to Galveston for my mom or drive me around several errands I need, he never complains and is more than happy to help. It makes me want to treat him to something special, unique that comes from my heart. A gesture to show my genuine appreciation for him.

3. For each of these people, write down something you share in common and how that can be a bridge of compassion. For example, perhaps you both have an elderly mother you worry about, or share a passion for a particular cause.

My mom- we both share in common a dear family member extremely close to both of our hearts. Her mother/my grandma. Due to current situations my mom and I are having to make frequent trips together to see this family member. It is in turn making my mom and I closer and appreciate each other more.

My boyfriend- We both are setting up life. Together. Thru the good times and bad. We learn and grow together. Definitely uniting.

Xo,
Annie