I had an amazing opportunity to attend a speaking engagement with the Dalai Lama about a year ago. Unfortunately, I chose not to attend because I had already committed to something else.
Thankfully, one of my fellow fitness professionals did go and brought me back some literature and my now, very worn out, “seeds of compassion” bracelet. Although the bracelet is slowly fraying away, I still hold the words and information close to me. I have them posted on a bulletin board in the studio and look at them frequently. Especially when things aren’t going the way I envisioned them or I just need a little reminder that life isn’t always problematic.
Life is full, unpredictable and what you make of it. A healthy life is one that balances life, work, play and pleasure and allows for the natural ebb and flow of day to day circumstances.
Although the following words of the Dalai Lama were geared toward our interactions with children, I believe they apply to everyone at any point in their life. We all need to remember:
When we wake up to make a promise: “With an open heart and joyful mind, I promise to practice compassion- to be kind to myself and to others and, especially, to be kind to every child whose life touches mine, from near or far, for today and always”
ALL DAY LONG REMEMBER TO: Laugh Listen Learn Love Encourage Respect Be Kind & Consistent Part of living a healthy, compassionate life is to be fulfilled both physically and mentally.
You may have amazing work ethic when it comes to staying fit, but lack compassion or the ability to let go of things that in the long run, can make you sick. I truly believe the 8 words above summarize it all and should be screamed out off of the rooftops for all to hear.
Think about it: Do you practice planting the seeds of compassion? Are you taking care of the physical and mental you? What is is that you need to change or do to make it happen?
In health and compassion- Amy
PS- one of my other all time favorite quotes: “Live, Laugh and Love!” My next tattoo is going to have this in it!!
