Our work together in this group has focused on observation of self, attention and presence. Perhaps we have learned from this and the sharp edges of our personalities have been softened somewhat, making another stage of work possible.
I wish for you to consider the following prayer. Does it resonate in you? Could it be your prayer? If your answer is yes, I would ask you to write to me stating your agreement to repeat this prayer every day.
COMPASSION
May I have compassion for myself
Compassion for my ignorance
For the pain I have given others
And the pain they have given me
May I have compassion for those nearest me
Compassion for their suffering
For their disappointments
For their loneliness and fear
May I have compassion for all sentient beings
Compassion for their limitations
For the cruelty they suffer
For the despair of life in this world
May I have compassion for the Universal Being
Who suffers His own Creation
Who sleeps among us and seeks to awaken
Whose compassion for me is reflected
As my compassion for Him
This is my prayer.
May I have compassion.
Hear my prayer.