Compassion, Reason, Patience – January 23, 2012

The Light Always Awaits Us After the Storm

The Light Always Awaits Us After the Storm

When dealing with difficult situations, which very often involve dear friends or family members, we may often feel as if we have come up against a brick wall.  The other party refuses to talk to you, pays no attention to anything you try to say or explain, emits high levels of hostility, anger, disregard, derision or even contempt for what we feel is important.

The normal response in real time is to lash out with anger, frustration, jealousy or sarcasm.  And of course, none of this works.  It only helps to escalate an already explosive situation, and forces the other side to react in kind.

HH  Dalai Lama speaks about these issues when dealing not only with loved ones and friends, but even enemies.  His first piece of advice is of course to use compassion (which in this instance he interprets as using affection or love), but to combine it with reason and patience.

Well, this little piece of advice was something I put into action this past week…affection (love/compassion), reason and patience, in dealing with just another explosive situation involving those close to me.  To my great surprise, the results were amazingly simple and beautiful to behold.  The “situation” ended quietly, peacefully and lovingly, and “talking about it” was hardly necessary at all, since the “reason” part of the equation simply made so much sense, combined with the love and patience (for the other side to understand in their own way, at their own pace – which might take even a few days which is where the patience comes in).

Keeping those three things in mind next time you come up against something like this could make all the difference.  And if need be,take the time to “put your head together” before confronting the other person. And if, after all this, things still don’t seem to work out, don’t take it personally.  You have done everything you could have to rectify a bad situation, in the best possible way. It is now out of your hands and no longer your problem or concern.  The other side may “come around” or may not – but you no longer have control over that…it is now THEIR choice.  Accept it and be grateful for any outcome.

Along with other changes I have made recently to bring balance back into my life, (which I will write about further in my next post), this has been an extremely positive new, conscious and focused  choice for change I have made, and I thank HH Dalai Lama for bringing these insights to me (and the Universe for bringing me to the new book I recently read called: “My Spiritual Journey” by His Holiness).

As always, I am blessed and taken care of at all times.  And I do my best to appreciate all these blessings with joy and gratitude.

with love light and JOY

Jane