Melinda Fay - Compassion is…
This original posted Jan 9, 2014
When I was diagnosed with ADD...and a pinched sciatica nerve...it was Melinda who suggested I try Yoga! I sure am glad I listened to her...and it wasn't because I was a young Airman and she was an Officer. She has been on a spiritual/healing journey for many years. I'm proud to call her friend. - Chris
Melinda is a long-time friend, yogi, and Lieutenant Colonel (edit: now retired) in the Air Force. She is responsible for getting me 'hooked' on yoga back in 1999.
Compassion is the core of being present. Sounds lovely, doesn't it? I can almost hear you saying, "What a beautiful yogic concept, but difficult to achieve." Or maybe, deep within you think, "That sounds like yoga kool-aid." Both can be true, especially if you think compassion is an act you do or have for others. Compassion starts within yourself and only then can you show compassion for those around you.
Recently I saw a piece about a store that labeled all the clothes with the negative words women use on themselves and then invited ladies to come shop at the store. The women were horrified to see labels that said, "You are too fat to wear this." Or, "You can't wear this, because you are too ugly." Yet every day we say words of that effect to ourselves. Maybe the labels you use are different, but the core of them is negative. What negative words do you use on yourself? List them out and ask yourself would you allow someone else to talk to you like this? Would you speak like this to a stranger or even someone you love? The answer is probably not. These negative words, thoughts, and feelings about ourself is a habit of not treating yourself with compassion, care, understanding, and love.
Once you find a way to change how you treat yourself you will find your ability to interact with others on a compassionate level will begin.
Melinda has just launched a new business called Yoga Warrior Renew. She plans to work with the Veteran population to help them meet their needs using yoga and other healing practices. EDIT: The business is now called 3D Renew.
Will you join my Pursuit? I’d love to post your blog on what Compassion means to you. Send me an email: malaforvets@gmail.com
