I am teaming up with one of my spiritual mentors Dr. Frank Rogers, Jr. to offer an online workshop entitled Self-Compassion and the Election Cycle: How to Stay Grounded in Your Best Self.
ONLINE WORKSHOP
Saturday, October 5th
9am PT | 11am CT | 12pm ET
Register by September 27
This online workshop will introduce you to the Compassion Practice — a counterintuitive and countercultural tool that tends to our internal upheaval, and restores us to our Best Self. It was created by Frank and his colleagues at the Center for Engaged Compassion, and is beautifully documented in his book Practicing Compassion.
The election will not save us. No matter who wins, our country’s problems will persist until we face the origin of our pain. The way forward requires we first go inward, and the Compassion Practice shows us how.
When I met Frank and read his book, I realized the practice he created was in essence the same intuitive, healing approach I discovered during my “dark night of the soul” years. Thankfully, Frank turned the process into a practical guidebook so we all could benefit.
I credit the start of my journey with this practice to a moment that occurred 13 years ago.
For those of you who knew me then, you might remember that I embodied a fiery righteous spirit. My righteousness was a point of pride. In fact, I felt deeply called to defend what was morally right.
At that time, I was active in the Church and saw myself as an unapologetic advocate for the inclusion of women and the LGBTQ+ community in church leadership. I believed passionately in their inherent worth and belonging.
So then when this particular group within the Church tried to deny their inclusion, I would not remain silent. This group made my skin crawl and my anger rise with their offensive, and harmful beliefs. My righteousness held little interest in and patience with others who did not see the world my way.
But then one day, something happened. In the middle of a heated exchange, an executive church leader spoke to me a truth I did not want to hear. Her words became a catalyst that led me to this practice... which completely transformed the way I saw my political opponents. I saw that they too were inherently worthy, and belong.
This new way of seeing softened my armor and opened my heart. It showed me how we are all truly interconnected — and if you allow for it, even your opponent can show you the way back to your Best Self.
Perhaps even more profound is the practice changed how I saw myself — with compassion, grace, and deep care.
When I learned how to respond to myself with compassion, I was better equipped to respond to others, including my opponents, with that same compassion.
We have a long road ahead toward our collective healing, but I have learned that a little less righteousness, and a little more compassion makes the journey feel a whole lot better both in body and spirit — and I believe will ultimately lead to a future where everyone knows their inherent worth and belonging.
To hear my full story (including the executive church leader's words I did not want to hear), and to experience the Compassion Practice yourself at such a time as this, come to the workshop and spread the word! Please register by September 27.