Compassion fatigue and being loving while also angry: it’s possible.

I hope you are well and safe. If you are in a region impacted by recent hurricanes, my heart goes out to you and I hold you in my practice. I know that doesn’t change or fix things, but it’s true nonetheless.

This morning I got an email from one of you asking for some thoughts on compassion fatigue. First thought? It’s real. There is so much strife and sorrow and so many people, it seems, who hold tight to beliefs and wishes that we know are ridiculous at best and dangerous at worst. How to keep caring when all of this is true? How to avoid cutting people out of our hearts while also remaining true to ourselves? What is self-care in a time of rage? We are all exhausted right now–now what?

These are among the most important questions you can ask right now. In this video, I offer some thoughts (including a story about my own ridiculous behavior) that I hope will help you. 

TL;DR: the antidote to compassion fatigue is sangha. Community. You. Me. Us. I’m offering a free month in the Open Heart Project sangha, beginning right now and lasting through election season. There are many opportunities to practice, discuss, and just hold space together. This is the best way I know of to stay sane, balanced, honest, and energized–without cutting others out of our hearts completely. All the details are here. If you run into any problems registering, just email us. 

With love and faith in the three jewels, 

Susan

 

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