Compassion does not equate to giving someone a pass.
Many religious texts and spiritual philosophies teach the importance of turning the other cheek. Christians believe that we should forgive others for their wrongdoing. Buddhists teach non-attachment. Toltec wisdom tells us not to take things personally. These insights are simple truths that lead to inner peace, and at the core of such wisdom is the lesson of compassion; compassion toward ourselves, and compassion toward each other.
Many religious texts and spiritual philosophies teach the importance of turning the other cheek. Christians believe that we should forgive others for their wrongdoing. Buddhists teach non-attachment. Toltec wisdom tells us not to take things personally. These insights are simple truths that lead to inner peace, and at the core of such wisdom is the lesson of compassion; compassion toward ourselves, and compassion toward each other.
However, too often, compassion is mistaken for “giving a pass.” We are taught to show compassion to those in pain, to those who are hurt, to those who inflict harm, and to those that are less fortunate. But never are we taught what it means to do so, while still holding people accountable for their actions. When we fail to take responsibility for wrongdoing, no matter the guilty party, it is we who end up suffering for it greatly, and unnecessarily.
I see this a lot with many of my female clients; as women, we tend to show higher levels of compassion in our everyday lives. As feelers, we tend to be much more tolerant and understanding. But our compassion can sometimes border on self-sacrifice when we fail to consider our well-being, and I personally do not believe that this is what compassion is all about.
As I have said before in many of my empowerment blogs, it is possible to love from a distance, to engage openly with boundaries, and to give of ourselves with consideration. The same is true with compassion – it is possible to show compassion to others, and yet, still hold them accountable for their actions. It does not have to be either/or – it is both/and. Compassion does not equate to giving someone a pass.
As we enter Pisces season, we will all be tested to show compassion. We may feel inspired to turn to spiritual practices and ancient traditions that keep us forgiving throughout the hard knocks of life. Pisces transcends, after all. This is a sign not of the world, even if in it. Pisces sees the higher purpose of events, which is what makes this sign so intuitive and otherworldly. Pisces knows how to let go and accept – lessons we are all poised to learn in 2018.
But Pisces gets into trouble when boundaries are blurred. Piscean faith, no doubt, allows for constant resilience. But suffering does not have to be a part of the equation. As we move through these next few weeks, compassion, loving kindness, tolerance, understanding, and gentility will color our days in the face of uncertainty. And, if despite this, you continue to experience hurt, pain, deceit, and upset, call it out. Be accountable. Hold others accountable too.
Check your horoscopes to see what’s in store this week ahead, and don’t forget to read for your Ascendant sign too.
I see this a lot with many of my female clients; as women, we tend to show higher levels of compassion in our everyday lives. As feelers, we tend to be much more tolerant and understanding. But our compassion can sometimes border on self-sacrifice when we fail to consider our well-being, and I personally do not believe that this is what compassion is all about.
As I have said before in many of my empowerment blogs, it is possible to love from a distance, to engage openly with boundaries, and to give of ourselves with consideration. The same is true with compassion – it is possible to show compassion to others, and yet, still hold them accountable for their actions. It does not have to be either/or – it is both/and. Compassion does not equate to giving someone a pass.
As we enter Pisces season, we will all be tested to show compassion. We may feel inspired to turn to spiritual practices and ancient traditions that keep us forgiving throughout the hard knocks of life. Pisces transcends, after all. This is a sign not of the world, even if in it. Pisces sees the higher purpose of events, which is what makes this sign so intuitive and otherworldly. Pisces knows how to let go and accept – lessons we are all poised to learn in 2018.
But Pisces gets into trouble when boundaries are blurred. Piscean faith, no doubt, allows for constant resilience. But suffering does not have to be a part of the equation. As we move through these next few weeks, compassion, loving kindness, tolerance, understanding, and gentility will color our days in the face of uncertainty. And, if despite this, you continue to experience hurt, pain, deceit, and upset, call it out. Be accountable. Hold others accountable too.
Check your horoscopes to see what’s in store this week ahead, and don’t forget to read for your Ascendant sign too.
