What Does it Mean to be a True Healer?

Avalokiteshvara, the 1000 armed Bodhisattva has a different tool in every hand – each arm is a unique instrument of hope – help – healing and transformation.

It’s easy to forget how many simple, subtle, opportunities we have to inspire, uplift and impact the people who land in our lives – in ways we miss far too often to count.

I recently participated in a silent meditation retreat. For days, my mind refused to stay still. It leaped, and lurched and stumbled and fumbled my way through days of not wanting to look closely at my own life – my own mistakes, mis-steps – messes, stresses, sorrows and shame – and the many different flavors of suffering I visited on myself, and others I love.

One day, I looked around the other bright and shiny souls in the room – all of us different ages, incomes, sizes, sexes, beliefs and backgrounds – and yet – with our eyes closed – fiercely focused – facing invisible dramas – disappointments, failures, foibles and frailties that were each of ours to face alone.

And yet – all of us – warriors tethered together by a common enemy – and a similar goal.

To wake up – to lighten up – and to show up for those who needed us most.

Life – the simple act of living with intention – and attention – is the ultimate expression of the pedestrian power of the Bodhisattva. The great pure spirit of love and service – of awakening and uplifting ourselves and others – of helping and healing. n Our role is to simply embrace the arm we’ve been assigned – and to take our unique gifts – out into the world with passion, purpose and perseverance.

#mindfulness
#mindful
#mindfulnesspractice
#selfcompassion
#compassion
#mentalhealth
#bodhisattva

#wakeup
#peace
#brucespringsteen