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Daily Question, January 21

No matter where I may be in my own journey, in what ways can I ease the distress of others?

  • Nina
    The word that comes to mind is 'kindness'. There are many ways to extend kindness to others. One way I build this into my routine is to practice 'A Random Act of Kindness' in the workplace. Some examples include inviting a co-worker to lunch (even someone you've never gone to lunch with), or opening the door for everyone, or just smiling at everyone all day You may feel you already do these things... I did. However, when you consciously do these acts of kindness all day its different, but feels...

    The word that comes to mind is ‘kindness’. There are many ways to extend kindness to others. One way I build this into my routine is to practice ‘A Random Act of Kindness’ in the workplace. Some examples include inviting a co-worker to lunch (even someone you’ve never gone to lunch with), or opening the door for everyone, or just smiling at everyone all day You may feel you already do these things… I did. However, when you consciously do these acts of kindness all day its different, but feels great, and much harder to really be mindful about showing kindness throughout the day.

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  • Tahsin Tabassum

    with uplifting and supportive attitude, with positive guidance, making them challenge their negative thoughts, telling them they are doing great and they need to believe in themselves.

  • Maureen

    I have found that a smile from others perks me up, so I make an effort to smile to others throughout the day.

  • Beryl Marere

    I can try and ease their distress by being kind and sensitive to what they are going through and helping them in any other way they might be in need, e g financially, listening, empathizing etc

  • JoeytheHoff

    By burdening my own load, and avoiding conflating my frustrations with others when gossip and negative talks get the best of us.

  • Malag

    Kindness, comfort, love. Assisting with what they need

  • Amor fati

    Because God speaks through humans, I ask to be a channel, holding hands in silence until those words arrive.

  • GCharlotte

    I may be here with Jesus Christ!

  • reality

    Perspective is very important in art, including the art of living (Fromm). That perspective evolving within one. The ways are like staircases to heaven, not the rock kind, rather, actual 🙂 reality

  • Antoinette

    I can ease distress by being there and listening with compassion. People want to know they are welcome to share with you because you have an open mind full of kindness.

  • Tara

    Being present with them, gently wondering rather than asking questions. Allowing silence when there is nothing to add.

  • Ann
    As in "STOP LOOK GO", being fully present, then having clear perspective, and then, seeing clearly what possibility/opportunity may be useful and effective, taking an action that is clearly and truly needed and wanted. From my experience of widowhood, I experienced many people who did not know how to be with a mourner. And, in their discomfort of not-knowing, but initiating action anyway, it became them, sadly, who obviously needed comfort. My best advice to others soon after those early days of...

    As in “STOP LOOK GO”, being fully present, then having clear perspective, and then, seeing clearly what possibility/opportunity may be useful and effective, taking an action that is clearly and truly needed and wanted. From my experience of widowhood, I experienced many people who did not know how to be with a mourner. And, in their discomfort of not-knowing, but initiating action anyway, it became them, sadly, who obviously needed comfort. My best advice to others soon after those early days of widowhood was to tell people that silence and/or saying “I am sorry for your loss,” was a good way to be with a mourner. And, asking if the mourner would like a hug, rather than initiating it, is also good advice. STOP LOOK GO.

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  • Raven

    By being fully present with them and not trying to deny them their experience… holding space. Apologizing if I have contributed to it.

  • Debra

    Listening. Intently listening —— not waiting to talk. Giving in whatever way I am so guided to serve easing the distress of others. And lastly but so importantly, loving, whatever the challenges are others face.

  • pkr

    Being kind to all. Offering silent blessings. Praying for them. Listening.

  • Cato

    I think in order to ease the distress of others it is important that I be with people when I am with them. Truly with them, empathetically, and listening closely to the things they say. I am looking forward to volunteering in hospice care so that i may begin a journey of committing myself to better upholding this value.

  • Katrina

    I see a thread developing here in the reflections: listening to others without judgement of unasked for advice. That is my gift and my calling. Smiles, hugs and simple acts of kindness are also becoming more and more my gifts to others.

  • Ose
    Through opening my heart towards the ones in distress. Through perceiving where I have caused it and then through letting go of it. When it comes to my story, probably the most distress I caused was extreme internal clinging to the ones I felt close to. It must have been a kind of torture to the ones concerned, to whom I can only offer my deep regret and apologies. Early childhood trauma caused far withdrawal and a deep fear to ever be left behind again, which I simply could not overcome thr...

    Through opening my heart towards the ones in distress. Through perceiving where I have caused it and then through letting go of it. When it comes to my story, probably the most distress I caused was extreme internal clinging to the ones I felt close to. It must have been a kind of torture to the ones concerned, to whom I can only offer my deep regret and apologies.

    Early childhood trauma caused far withdrawal and a deep fear to ever be left behind again, which I simply could not overcome through whatsoever therapy or mental or emotional strategies. When it happened that I really felt close to someone (which I tried to avoid for not to come into trouble and hurting another through my incapacity to allow freedom in close relationships out of this deep seated fear, and also to avoid to become visible and vulnerable with this undeveloped, early childhood blockage), something in me reacted like someone dying with thirst, unable to let the other be free, clinging instead, wanting, even demanding with or without words instead of simply offering my love and trust. A completely fixed emotional state, which must have caused a huge lot of distress to the ones close to my heart.

    By now, things changed, and this is due to the unconditional love I still was allowed to perceive and to feel as being present underneath all pain, which was necessary to feel in order to become fully aware of what I was doing to others and to be able to transform it. You all here, the honesty of your sharing here, the compassion and love of trusted friends, you all together helped me to open the door to become free from this deeply painful knot and so to become able to also let the other free in his or her will, destiny and fate. I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity and the incredible support for transforming what has been a torture for others as well as for myself. It is a substantial shift. I bow to you all here. May love and friendship unfold freely wherever it is meant to be in the life of each living being. May you all be blessed.

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    • Debra

      Ose: Yes, I share Carla’s thoughts, feelings and insights of your honest and touching ‘share’ of your new awareness., awakening and kind words. I bow to you, dear one.

    • Carla

      Ose, I bow to you & send a supportive cyber hug. Blessings to you this day-which is tomorrow in your time zone. May Deep Peace surround you.

      • Ose

        Thank you, dear Carla, your timeless blessings and wishes for deep peace arrived in my heart. A heartfelt hug to you, if I may.

    • Amor fati

      Ose, thank you and bless you. From reading your shavings through the years I know how you have healed with the rest of us along on the same journey.

      • Ose

        Thank you dear Amor fati for your kind reply. So good to be together on this path with you and all others. Blessings to you, dear friend.

  • Ed

    Beautiful messages this morning….
    I hear you!

  • Maryke

    Sending messages to people I know are having a right time. Share what I’ve learned, so that it might empower them to take the first step to inner healing.

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