Practice Compassion

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Thank you for your participation in last week’s call. It is so good to be in community with other men during this unprecedented moment. One of you offered a pearl of wisdom that has stuck with me. You reminded us that this is a dynamic situation. And that our reaction to it will continue to change as it does.

Every week is different. Each requires a different set of skills. A different approach to meeting the moment. One of my very best friends was on a ventilator. We were scared. Then he came off the ventilator and out of the ICU. We were happy and relieved. Now he is facing dangerous complications. And might have to go back into the ICU. We are scared again. It has been difficult. And it has also been beautiful to be in it together as a group of male friends.

I’m sequestered with my co-parent, who I’m consciously uncoupling from. Sometimes we are great partners through this pandemic. At other times we can’t believe we are stuck together. It would certainly be easier to uncouple if we had more space from each other. This is tough.

Some days I’m ready to meet this moment with what feels like a lifetime of preparation. Other days I get so down I can barely do anything that I’m not obliged to do.

Mine is the story of someone who is still healthy. And sitting on a fair amount of privilege. Many of us have it much worse. Others have it better. But we are still in this together.

Compassion is key. It is the key to turning towards the inordinate amount of suffering that is happening around the world. And it is the key for turning towards yourself. For facing yourself. Perhaps in ways you have never had to. For taking a close look at who you are. And stepping into who you are meant to become.

Love. Kindness. And unbearable compassion.

Here is a good practice from Jack Kornfield. Let me know how it goes.

With love and compassionate care,

Gibrán