It is a profound time in our world with such a need for compassion, warmth, and harmony. Can we bring these qualities into our daily lives? Where can we make a difference? Are you in a position to impact many people? Some people? A few people? Do you experience these qualities within yourself?
Whatever level of impact we may have in this world begins with a foundation of consciousness and skills that help us to bring these qualities forward. How can we contribute to others if we have an inner world of harshness, conflict, and judgment? How can we contribute in the world if we can’t yet create healthy relationships in our close daily interactions?

Let’s start right where you are, whether you are a player in the big arenas of life or grappling with inner conflict or family strife. Just a simple exercise for today is to pause, breathe, and check in for what you are feeling in the moment and what are you passionate about or longing for that is bringing this feeling alive. Bring some warmth and compassion to your experience. Try this several times throughout the day. Then, consider the same inquiry, this time wondering about the feelings and deep longings or passion of a person to whom you are relating. Extend some compassion toward them. And really listen to understand what is important to them with warmth. Let them know what you think you understood.

These simple practices will go a long way to bringing warmth, compassion, and harmony into the world, our world, your world, however large or small it is in the moment. It matters. You matter. What you contribute matters.