Why waiting with compassion is a powerful spiritual practice

When you read the writings of mystics from any tradition, one thing you notice is their different perception of time. The now moment- this precise and ever opening point of time- is a flow of change and movement. Here in this moment, things are happening the way they are happening. We are happening however we are happening. When I am absorbed in this very moment, all is well.

Waiting, seen from this point, is a tear or a fracture in the now moment as we anticipate a time that has not yet blossomed into the now. This separation is a fertile place to explore our inner state; to notice what we project out onto the not yet. We experience many things in this sense of separated time. It is possible to experience a heightened sense of tension, anxiety, or dread. It is also possible to experience an intensified sense creativity, pleasure, and joy. When we come completely back in the now moment, the sense of waiting either in fear or delight fades into the happening as it goes and moves. Whatever we are waiting for that is still not here dissolves from our awareness.

When we find ourselves waiting then, this is a flag and a clue to us. This is the perfect time to bring awareness and choice to how we wait. Compassion is an all purpose technique we can use to befriend both the joyful and difficult experiences we have while waiting; and can bring us back home to the now that is always present.

Join me December 1st, 2019- yes, this coming Sunday for a 25 day online retreat to explore the practice of waiting with compassion. Sign up here or visit my website for more information.