A Gift from Meditation

Of my favorite gifts from meditation is that as I learn to be more patient and compassionate towards myself, I find that I also have greater patience and compassion towards others. It’s as though gaining an understanding of the cause of my own errors and faults, and the compassion that follows, ultimately expands beyond myself to my relationships with others.

It seems inevitably intertwined; how we are towards ourselves is reflected in how we are towards others, and vice versa. This understanding has allowed me greater empathy when I witness a lack of compassion, as it is surely a reflection of the compassion that is likewise lacking inwardly. In a similar sense, I find this understanding motivating in developing greater kindness towards myself, as it becomes apparent as a necessity for holding a fair perspective and judgment of others.

After 10 years of meditation, I find this linked gift of inward and outward compassion still deepening and in need of greater depth, but with it has come a greater love and appreciation for myself and all those I come in contact with.

I do not judge others as easily as I once did because I recognize more the cause and consequences of judgment. Where there is judgment now, I recognize a lack of understanding and an opportunity to deepen my love and understanding of others and myself.

Wishing us all more inward and outward compassion.

Naser