Welcome it All

Many of us have a conditional relationship with ourselves. We focus on what we don’t like and want to change toward some view of being a better person, having a better body or achieving more success in all its many forms.  I’m all for self improvement but toward what end?

When we have a feeling or reaction that makes us uncomfortable in any way we rationalize, blame, deny or judge those feelings. Feelings are neutral.  The judgements we have about them are what add the charge and nick away at our self worth.

If you want to be more loving and compassionate, begin with yourself.  Start by becoming aware when you get triggered and accepting all of who you are – the strengths and imperfections.  We have a choice how we will respond to what comes our way.  We can be happy, angry, disappointed or resentful.  There is no shortage of creativity in the possible responses.

Welcome it all.  Accept it. Embrace it. Let it all in.  Breathe it into your heart and it will dissipate.  It is both a choice and a practice.

Experiment for yourself.

From the work of Fr. Thomas Keating here is the Welcoming Prayer:

Welcome, welcome, welcome.

I welcome everything that comes to me in this moment
because I know it is for my healing.

I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons, situations,
and conditions.

I let go of my desire for security.
I let go of my desire for approval.
I let go of my desire for control.

I let go of my desire to change any situation, condition, person,
or myself.

I open to the love and presence of God and His healing action
and grace within.