Having Mercy

 

We don't always get off to a good start. Some days we roll out of the "wrong" side of the bed and our day starts off rough. Sometimes we start a conversation on the "wrong" note. Sometimes we begin a project and realize we are going about it all "wrong." Sometimes we wish we just hadn't thought, said, or done something. This is what it is to be human. Thank goodness we are all imperfect. And thank goodness, we can always start again.

In meditation we are instructed that when we become aware of having drifted into thought, we get to enjoy coming back to the breath in the present moment and simply begin again. We gradually learn to do that as many times as we need in a single meditation period without any judgement. It is the best practice we have for those more significant moments in life when we don't like the way something has started -- whether it began with our own actions, reactions, or with a dynamic between ourselves and another. We can always start over. We start over every time we forgive, say we are sorry, take a pause and change a direction, or take a new step.

Sometimes we forget and think it's done, finished, finite, messed up for good, irreparable, fixed, and permanent. It's not a very kind way to be with ourselves, or even with others. My invitation this week is to notice those moments when something doesn't feel good and let yourself begin again. Mid-conversation with your child, spouse, parent, co-worker, and the feeling isn't good -- take a pause and start over. You can even say it, if it is appropriate, "can I try this over again?" Maybe you find yourself scrolling on social media when you intended to start a project and suddenly 30 minutes is gone. No big deal. Begin again. And, the most important part is to do it without berating yourself. What is it like to start fresh?  No matter what doesn't feel good, the moment you recognize the uncomfortable feeling, ask yourself, "is there some way I can start this again?" Only you can let yourself off the hook. Staying stuck on it serves no one.

When we allow ourselves the opportunity to start over, we soften that hardened stance we can easily take that is born from fear. When we learn to be generous and have mercy on ourselves, it spills over and we become more willing to let others be imperfect, and have fresh starts, too. 

Wishing you all a week of fresh beginnings whenever you need them. And don't forget, you can always say it aloud and let your imperfect self be seen so that we can all be imperfect together.

🌼
Jean