Nurturing Ourselves and Others
This November, participants in our Mindfulness & Meditation Mornings CommUNITY group, led by Philip Davidson, are nurturing a grounded and stable internal awareness. The process of inner work, of observing thoughts, emotions, and responses without judgment, cultivates resilience and clarity, forming a steady inner foundation that allows individuals to respond rather than react to life's challenges. Such inner grounding not only supports personal well-being but also radiates outward, fostering a compassionate community as each person brings deeper empathy, patience, and understanding to their interactions with others.
With the upcoming presidential election, this work becomes even more critical. How we approach these days, and the days that follow, will shape our experience as individuals and as a community. Our inner work can support us in engaging with the world from a place of kindness and awareness, no matter which side of the election we find ourselves on.
During the recent Mindfulness & Meditation Mornings session, small groups reflected on a key question:
How do I show up with Kind Awareness during my election experience, and what mindfulness practices might support me in doing so?
The insights shared by the group offer a powerful guide for navigating this time:
Awareness
Curiosity and Compassion: We are reminded that everyone carries different perspectives (the 4 Conditions of Being Human, better known as the 4 C’s : culture, conditioning, circumstances, and choices), that are beyond our control and which may not align with our own. Curiosity opens the door to understanding different viewpoints, while compassion allows us to honor those differences without judgment.
Letting Go of Attachment: Elections often bring up fear of loss—whether it’s fear about the future or confusion about how others can support what we believe is wrong. Our challenge is to release the attachment to outcome, recognizing that no matter what, we can move forward; each of us has done so many times in our lives.
Physical and Emotional Awareness: Recognizing physical constrictions or emotional reactions as they arise gives us the opportunity to pause, breathe, and release tension. As one group member said, “Sending a prayer or thinking positive thoughts towards another can change the heart energy, allowing us to project positivity.”
Humanity and Values: Avoiding the temptation to change others or convince them of our beliefs, we focus instead on connecting and respecting their humanity. When we view ourselves as part of a larger picture, we find it easier to let go of judgment and attachment.
Kindness
How We Communicate Matters: It’s not always what we say but how we say it that makes the difference. Practicing kindness even when we are triggered allows us to offer connection and relationship without judgment.
Empathy for All: Election time can highlight deep divides, but it’s important to have empathy for those who have been disenfranchised or feel left behind by society. One member shared a story about a neighbor whose political views differ drastically from their own, yet they went out of their way to be helpful—a reminder that kindness can exist even amidst disagreement.
Forgiving the Unforgivable: This may be one of the greatest challenges. Kindness doesn’t mean condoning harmful actions, but rather creating space for empathy, allowing ourselves to connect to the humanity of others—even when it’s difficult.
Mindfulness Practices for Nourishment
Let Go of Outcome: The practice of mindfulness asks us to release our grip on specific outcomes and instead focus on the present moment. How can we nourish ourselves by letting go of the need to be right or victorious?
Body Awareness and Pausing: When emotions rise, we can pause, breathe, and notice what’s happening in our bodies. This simple act of tuning in helps us slow down and prevents reactive behaviors.
Gratitude: Cultivating gratitude for what is good in our lives helps us keep perspective. Even in times of tension, gratitude grounds us in the abundance that surrounds us.
Breathe and Listen: Active listening—truly hearing another without judgment—is a profound form of nourishment. This allows us to stay present, engage curiously, and avoid projecting our perspective onto others.
As we approach Election Day, and the days that follow, let’s remember to nurture ourselves through mindfulness. Our inner work is not just for us; it creates ripples of care and compassion, nurturing the world around us.
We leave you with this beautiful poem by Ganga White, which reminds us of the deep interconnectedness of our inner work and the world:
“What if our religion was each other
If our practice was our life
If prayer, our words
What if the temple was the earth
If forests were our church
If holy water – the rivers, lakes, and ocean
What if meditation was our relationships
If the teacher was life
If wisdom was self-knowledge
If love was the center of our being.”
May your November be filled with nurturing care, kindness, and the mindful awareness that allows us all to grow and thrive—together.