Things I remind myself / by Beth Winegarner

rabbit-2742525_1280.jpg

When I want to feel more compassion for those around me, I remind myself that inside us all are small children walking around in our big, grownup bodies, and we don’t always know what to do. Sometimes we all wish an adult would show up and show us the way.

When I want to feel more compassion for those around me, I remind myself that inside our human brain is a mammal brain whose only function is feeling, and inside that is a reptile brain that keeps us alive and tries to keep us out of danger. Sometimes the mammal or the reptile brain is in control.

When I want to feel more compassion for those around me, I remind myself that all of us are dealing with hidden struggles, some of them very deep and serious.

[Hokusai] says every one of us is a child,
every one of us is ancient,
every one of us has a body.
He says every one of us is frightened.
He says every one of us has to find a way to live with fear.
— Roger Keys