Foundation of Compassion: 20 days of Omer 5781

Today is twenty days, which is two weeks and six days of the Omer in the year 5781. יסוד שברחמים, Yesod ShebeRachamim, Foundation of Compassion.

Firm foundations require boundaries and clarity. Vitality comes from Yesod: it channels the energy of all previous sephirot into material reality. And yet, a foundation too rigid to allow movement will crumble under pressure. Stay vigilant: ensure empty space in your soul, a container for Divine flow.

Brace against compassion fatigue

Bad news can overwhelm like flood waters. Give yourself permission to laugh and dance and relish your life.

If I can't dance, I don't want to be in your revolution. -- paraphrase of Emma Goldman

Never forget that serious discourse on social issues will never satisfy the breadth of human needs. Laugh, dance, enjoy your life. And work towards creating a better world. Make sure you don't pull the ladder up behind yourself. Carefully investigate your own bias. Make sure you never stop enjoying the journey.

Love yourself without reservation

Compassion must begin with yourself. I am enough in every moment. Whether I am doom-scrolling Facebook or meditating into the Omer: I am enough. My need for joy and beauty and frivolity is as deep as my need for ideas and learning and community. I embrace all of me.

When I begin with self-compassion, I am able to reach with compassion to my family and the wider world. Allow yourself to be as important to your journey as the other people in your life. The foundation of compassion is self love.