Page 302 - The Truth Landscape Format 2020 with next section introductions-compressed

What if there was one choice you could make that would change everything in your life for the better? Actually, there is. It's the choice to move out of judgment
and into compassion for yourself and others.

Compassion is defined as a deep caring for the pain of others, often accompanied by a desire to help. There is nothing that feels more wonderful and comforting
than experiencing another's compassionate response to our painful feelings and experiences.

However, it's interesting that compassion is never defined in terms of oneself. Yet, compassion is one of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves. In fact,
when we give compassion to others but not to ourselves, we often end up feeling alone, worn out, and uncared for.

A lack of compassion for oneself and others is a major cause of inner and relationship unhappiness. In terms of personal growth, if you were to just focus on
making compassion your highest priority - both for yourself and for others - you would find yourself progressing toward happiness, peace and joy more rapidly
than you can imagine.

We move into compassion for ourselves when we know that we have very good reasons for our feelings and behaviour, and into compassion for others when
we know that others also have very good reasons for their feelings and behaviour. These good reasons are the fears and false beliefs that we have absorbed
from our growing up years that create our painful feelings and our defensive behaviour.

Moving into compassion for yourself starts with noticing your self-judgment. Judgment is the opposite of compassion. When you judge yourself, you are telling
yourself that you are wrong or bad for your feelings or behaviour, rather than that you have good reasons. Each time you realise that you are judging yourself,
consciously open your heart to compassion for yourself. When your intention is to be compassionate rather than judgmental, you will discover that it is not as
hard as you think to shift from judgment to compassion.

Moving into compassion for others is similar. Begin to notice your anger, irritation, judgment, resentment, or resistance toward others. These negative feelings
are the opposite of compassion. Once you notice these feelings, you have the choice to open to caring, understanding - to compassion.

Each time you find yourself in judgment for yourself or others, instead of judging yourself for judging, move into compassion for the judgmental part of you.
If you judge yourself for judging yourself or others, you will stay stuck. If you embrace with compassion the judgmental part of yourself, you will find yourself
gradually becoming less judgmental and more compassionate.

Each time you are compassionate with yourself and others, it becomes easier next time. You will discover that focusing on compassion for both yourself and
others will move you toward the peace and joy you are seeking. It all comes from your intent - to protect against pain with your controlling behaviours, such
as anger, guilt, blame and judgment, or to learn about loving yourself and others. When your deepest desire is to become a loving human being, opening to
compassion is a powerful doorway to that path. Page302