ABCs for Empathy

 From the Albano-Waite Tarot, the Queen of Cups; from the Rumi Cards, Breeze at Dawn:

Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself.

—Moshsin Hamid

Empathy and kindness define the Queen of Cups, yet here she has a cover over her chalice. She's aware of how easy it is to become submerged in another's suffering when trying to be of help. Breeze at Dawn suggests mentally stepping out of the situation for a moment and seeing with new eyes to refresh our own spirit. Ramos Tsosie*, a 25-year veteran firefighter-paramedic, suggests some ABCs to help:

A)  Recognize the activating event - anything that happens that grabs your attention in a negative way.

B)  Identify your beliefs about the event and challenge those that are not factual or do not align with your short- and long-term interests. These beliefs influence how we respond.  

C)  Consider the consequences, or how you respond in feelings and actions. The consequences are functions of our beliefs. Blame and judgment lead to frustration, cynicism, and anger - and ultimately burnout. We can reduce our own stress and when we respond from compassion (including for ourselves) without holding on to any expectations.

*Taken from an article in Tricycle magazine (April 2022)

The Breeze

From the Albano-Waite Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Rumi Cards, 'The Breeze at Dawn:'

          Is it really any surprise when someone has what they think is a great idea, and as soon as they've shared it, another person says he doesn't think things should be done that way? If all we focus on is feeling snubbed, we'll never hear what else might be possible. Debate wants only to win, but Discourse builds a more complete picture through attentive listening and asking questions. The Breeze at Dawn quote suggests there is something good or beautiful right under our noses, but we've totally missed it because it doesn't shout or take center stage. When we drop our agendas and personal strategies, we can allow that breeze to refresh us.

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.

Don’t go back to sleep!

~Rumi