Kuan Yin’s 6 Ways to Cultivate Compassion

Life can feel like an emotional rollercoaster from the ecstatic ups to the gloomy downs and the myriad of bumpy emotions in between. And don’t we know it after this crazy year! Still, when you are knee deep in a pit of pain, it can feel like those “ups” are not right around the corner.

It can also feel like you‘re alone in your suffering. Your loved ones may know the facts, but do they really feel your pain? Sometimes they don’t, but sometimes they do. There are many compassionate empaths that do, in fact, feel your pain as if it were their own. These earth angels have true empathy. Naturally, they are always in demand. And yes, empaths need support too.

Meet Kuan Yin

Thankfully there is another angelic energy that can guide you through the trenches — the Buddhist goddess Kuan Yin. Kuan Yin has infinite compassion for your suffering. Known as Kannon in Japan, her name even means ‘she who hears the cries of the world’. In Mahayana Buddhism, Kuan Yin is a Bodhisattva, or a divine being who uses her spiritual strength to help others on their life path, and in doing so, she also evolves spiritually.

The loving goddess often holds a willow branch as a protective talisman and healing tool. The willow branch symbolizes the ability to bend without breaking. Thus, Kuan Yin reminds us of our inner strength and feminine power to rise from suffering and into peace. In a warm sunset-hued aura, Kuan Yin brings hope that sunnier days are right around the corner.

But even during the good times, Kuan Yin helps us navigate this crazy world where impossible standards of beauty and success reign. As we chase the ‘ideal’, it’s only natural to let our inner critic run wild. It’s like we’re all performers at the cosmic circus. We are trying our best to balance on this impossible tightrope, but sometimes we wobble and sometimes we fall flat on our face.

Kuan Yin’s Healing Balm

Not meeting society’s impossible standards time and time again is painful. But there is a remedy. Kuan Yin’s magical healing balm is compassion. Only true compassion can soothe the painful wounds of self-criticism and self-hatred. More importantly, compassion is the cosmic key to happiness and peace. Anxiety and depression lessen. Your mind becomes quieter, allowing you to finally hear your spirit guides. Your relationships become more intimate. Plus, you are creating a more loving world for all.

But what exactly is compassion? And how do we cultivate it in everyday life? Kuan Yin inspires us to start by showing compassion towards ourselves. To practice more self-compassion, try these tips:

6 Self-Compassion Tips

Self-compassion starts with changing your thoughts. Your words are incredibly powerful. The next time you catch yourself calling yourself ‘not so nice’ names, stop yourself. Have an inner dialogue with your inner cranky critic, and revise your words.

Did you mess up? We all have. Apologize to yourself and others for your actions. And let go of nightmares of guilt and shame.

We all have inevitable imperfections that we don’t love. But our flaws are what make us beautiful and unique. Wear your flaws with pride by practicing the Japanese aesthetic principle of wabi-sabi. Wabi-sabi is about finding beauty in imperfections.

What does your inner child need? Perhaps a gentle hug, a little play or maybe an adventure. Whatever it is that you need, allow yourself to focus on that, even for just a moment.

How long have you neglected yourself? There is nothing like a little TLC to bring empathy, compassion and gentle grace. Rest and treat your mind, body and spirit with positive things (healthy food, healing practices, good conversations, a good book, etc.).

We are social beings. Share your authentic self, struggles and victories with others to cultivate real friendships. Your openness and honesty will inspire others to do the same.

The way you treat yourself isn’t just about you. It ripples out into the wider world. By practicing self-compassion, the world becomes a better place for all.

How do you practice self-compassion? Share in the comments!

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Sources

• “10 Ways to Practice Self-Compassion and Overcome Your Shame.” Tiny Buddha, 19 Apr. 2020, tinybuddha.com/blog/10-ways-practice-self-compassion.
• FAIRCHILD, ALANA. KUAN YIN TRANSMISSION: Healing Guidance from Our Universal Mother. LLEWELLYN, 2019.
• Lissa Rankin, M.D. “10 Easy Ways To Cultivate Compassion.” Mindbodygreen, Mindbodygreen, 8 Apr. 2020, www.mindbodygreen.com/0-23406/10-easy-ways-to-cultivate-compassion.html.

Photos by 9Air on iStock and Khadeeja Yasser on Unsplash