What we can learn from the Dalai Lama on his 80th Birthday

Today is the Dalai Lama's 80th Birthday!

Let's take a pause for reflection and gratitude to the Dalai Lama for a life utterly devoted to kindness and compassion, the immeasurable difference that makes in our world, and the endless ripples that will ever continue.

“8 Lessons We Can Learn From The Dalai Lama On His 80th Birthday” are shared by Alena Hall in honour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at this link, which summarizes some of his central teachings.

There is so much to love and honour about this incredible man who so richly lives and breathes his work with such integrity and joy!

One way to honour someone you love and respect is to live out the qualities you appreciate in them yourself.

Compassion is a great concept, but how is its reach in your personal world?
 

“Compassion is not religious business, it is human business,
it is not luxury, it is essential for human survival.” ~ Dalai Lama

You can't fake compassion. I think it can help looking at what gets in the way for a more genuine experience of it, and to have compassion for that 'stuff'!

It can help to release feelings that may be standing in the way of your experience of compassion. You won't feel compassion through a  wall of anger, for example. And what else might be in the way - judgment, blame, attitudes, projections, beliefs...?

I also believe the more compassionate you are with YOU, the more you will be with others too.

What is compassion to you? What is your experience and understanding of compassion?

Recall times you’ve felt compassion towards another, or been on the receiving end of compassion yourself.

Reflecting on those experiences can help get in touch with the compassion within to allow it to have greater authentic expression your world.

How can compassion become more a greater part of your everyday living?

What allies, such as love, empathy, care, forgiveness and understanding, can help strengthen compassion?

Who or what people or situations do you find it most challenging to be compassionate with?

How can those people or situations be a gift to help to deepen your compassion?

Last but not least... how can you be more compassionate with YOURSELF?
 

"As you breathe in, cherish yourself.
As you breathe out, cherish all Beings." ~ Dalai Lama

Much love,

Aine Belton