Darkness

"Only when we know our own darkness well

can we be present with the darkness of others."

Pema Chodron

It is impossible to avoid our own darkness as it is where we learn our lessons. Life will unfold more easily, however, if we regard our experiences with compassion rather than judgment. It is advantageous for us to utilize empathy for our own situations, just as readily as we would offer it to others.

It is helpful to step back and visualize how far we have come. Offering kindness to the self for perseverance, and praise for accomplishments, anxiety lessens. As healing energy begins to flow, we can become less harsh not only with the self, but with others as well. Compassion becomes prevalent allowing emotional connection.

Compassion for the self also teaches us how to hold space for others. As we listen to the stories of others, we may even begin to understand our own sagas from a differing view. Although our revelations may differ, we learn from each other. If we remain in our own darkness, we are less likely to be present in the darkness of others.