Morning Invocation

Today, I cultivate compassion instead of criticism.

Today, I cultivate compassion instead of criticism.

When I notice my mind going towards critical thoughts about myself and others, I pause, I take a breath, and I see if I can feel compassion.

Can I be compassionate towards myself, for the things that I do that are difficult or uncomfortable?

Can I cultivate compassion for the ones in my life and in the world who may do things that feel difficult or uncomfortable to me? Instead of criticizing their behaviors and actions, could I see the little one in them? The heartbroken one in them? The one who has dreamed and yearned, and been abandoned or hurt or neglected?

Could I see the eternal divinity within them? And feel compassion in their direction, instead of criticism?

I remind myself that this starts with me, choosing compassion towards myself instead of criticism. As I do that in my own direction, I cultivate the capacity to do that with others.

Today, I cultivate compassion for myself, instead of criticism.