Sunday Reset - Widen the View - June 28
Widen the View - Expanding and Opening Our Perspective
Do you ever have a-ha moments?
When thoughts come together and you feel a spark of understanding, a sudden connection? I had one the other day, and it was a reminder and an invitation to practice self-compassion.
In the meditation book I'm currently reading by Joseph Goldstein, a quote credited to Saint Francis de Sales stood out to me:
"Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself. I mean, do not be disheartened by your imperfections, but always rise up with fresh courage. I am glad you make a fresh beginning daily… How are we to be patient in dealing with our neighbor's faults if we are impatient in dealing with our own?"
The next day, I was revisiting the 7 Attitudes of Mindfulness when non-judging, patience, and acceptance jumped off the page. There was the spark!
I'll admit, lately I've been thinking of the Attitudes mostly outwardly. Don't judge others. Be patient with others. Accept others. Allow others to be a beginner. And then it hit me: these aren't just for how I show up in the world. They're lessons for how I can better show up with myself. Don't judge myself. Be patient with myself. Accept myself. Allow myself to be a beginner. Trust myself. Let go.
As I sit with this, I notice an opportunity to practice self-compassion. What's really calling to me is the idea of "making a fresh beginning daily" — and what it means to actually let myself be a beginner. Can I loosen the grip of self-judgment and offer myself kindness instead? Can I open to this new day with patience, wonder, and trust in my own journey?
I don't need to have it all figured out right away. I'm giving myself space to be with this noticing — and maybe that's the whole practice.
The journey continues.
I'd love to hear about your a-ha moments — and whether you notice any connections to your own mindfulness practice. Hit reply and share.
Warmly,
Julia
Patience for Oneself is Self-Compassion
25-Min. Self-Compassion Meditation
15-Min. Meeting the Moment Meditation