Thoughtful Thursday & The 3 C's

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Calm.

Curious.

Compassionate.

The other day I was listening to a podcast and Dr. Wendy Ulrich was a featured guest.

She shared what she calls the 3 c's.

I keep reflecting on them.

These three steps can make all the difference as we navigate the relationships in our lives. 

This includes the relationship we have with ourselves and God. 

First, be calm.

Pause and take a deep breath.

There are many things outside of our control but we have the power to choose our response.

If we will slow down, we will see that things will be okay.

They may not be what we thought they would be.

Or, what we necessarily want but it will be okay. 

Second, get curious.

Take a few steps back and give yourself some space to get a different perspective.

Ask yourself questions.

Could there be another way to look at it?

Dr. Ulrich said to think of the most benevolent reason why someone does something instead of going straight to the worst case scenario. 

What is the down side of assuming the best instead of assuming the worst?

As we gain understanding, we are able to move to the third step, compassion. 

Compassion is a word we hear often but do we really understand its meaning?

According to The Center for Compassion and Alturism Research and Education at Harvard Medicine, "compassion is a multi-textured response to pain, sorrow and anguish.  It includes kindness, empathy, generosity and acceptance.  The strands of courage, tolerance, equanimity are equally woven into the cloth of compassion.  Above all compassion is the capacity to open to the reality of suffering and to aspire to its healing."

I love this definition.

Compassion encompasses so much more than I think we realize.

I especially love the last sentence of this definition.

"Above all compassion is the capacity to open to the reality of suffering and to aspire to its healing."

Part of being human includes suffering.

We all experience it.

But with suffering can come healing.

Be calm.

Be curious.

Be compassionate.

Find healing.

Give it a try.

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