Compassion in Times of Crises
The monthly theme for July in Jivamukti Yoga focuses on "Compassion in Times of Crises" which clearly feels most relevant. Not only are many going through individual crises but we are also facing collective crises around equality, racism, the state of our planet and our own health.
As I studied compassion further I noticed that it was interchangeably used with sympathy and empathy which lead me to question: what is the difference between these three terms?
Sympathy: The ability to feel pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune.
Empathy: The ability to feel into someone else's struggles and recognize these feelings within yourself.
Compassion: The ability to be sympathetic, empathetic but also taking action to relieve someone from their pain and suffering.
The goal of Jivamukti Yoga is to empower humans to take compassionate action and you may wonder how? As we go deeper into our practice, we slowly start to dissolve the illusion of separation and we come to understand that we are all from the same source. When we recognize ourselves in others, we easily find compassion as we naturally want all living beings to be well, including ourselves.
We release the concepts of good and bad, you and me, us and them or innocent and guilty. Yoga teaches us that our natural state is one of love and kindness, which is something I personally want to believe. As we let go of judgement, selfishness and anger we increase our ability for compassion.
It all begins with ourselves and I hope for you to meet yourself with softness, acceptance and tenderness during these challenging times.
Love Yohanna x