From the Heart is a space for the reflections of our staff on issues that matter to them, to our network, and most importantly, to those we walk alongside.
This month, Jennifer Kilimnik, our Director, Culture and Compassion, reflects on the ways she brings kindness and self-compassion into her daily way of being.
Part of the job description when you work within Réseau Compassion Network is to be willing to turn towards suffering. My writing would never end if I wrote about things that make me gnash my teeth and pull at my hair as a witness to injustice. Maybe you feel the same? I do my best to direct my energy towards being methodical, peaceful, and intentional when approaching my work, rather than spiral into overwhelm.
One of the earliest practices I connected with to allow me to safely open my heart was lovingkindness meditation (also known as LKM or Metta). In my most closed and frightened moments, connecting to this intention of wishing lovingkindness to all beings is an immensely powerful heart opener. Open heartedness for me can be overwhelming and a bit scary. At the same time, that is how I prefer to be in the world, when I am able.
When I settle into awareness of the deep connectedness we have with each other and the natural world, it allows me to focus more clearly on what is needed right now. It’s not a quick fix. For me, LKM is a practice that reminds me of my intentions and helps me be peaceful, rather than overwhelmed. I’m then more likely to make skillful choices in response to suffering. Imagine the impact on social justice when each person finds a way to follow their beautiful intentions and choose kindness.
When I googled ‘lovingkindness’ this quote came up:
“Lovingkindness is a profound exploration of the deepest meanings of love, empathy, and caring. It offers psychological insights of real spiritual value and practical utility.”— Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence.
If there is any work we are called to do at Réseau Compassion Network, it is what Goleman describes. It does not arise from good intentions alone. It arises from intentions that invite us to explore more deeply what it means to be human and how to treat others with lovingkindness, especially when life is difficult.
If you’re curious about LKM, here is a link to Sharon Salzberg, a meditation pioneer, world-renowned mindfulness and lovingkindness teacher, leading a 5-minute practice. Meanwhile, may you be happy, may you be peaceful, may you be healthy, may you live with ease.
Jennifer Kilimnik
Director, Culture and Compassion