Good Enough…

Time with family in Oregon last week was both a refreshing respite and a challenge. My guess is most of you can relate to old patterns you thought you’d dealt with coming back to taunt you when you reconnect with family.

After one particular frustrating evening, I was reminded of poet David Whyte’s comment repeated a few times during some of his virtual events: “Everyone is always doing their best. The problem is their best is often not very good.”

Perhaps the words I remember aren’t exactly what Whyte said, but the essence of the message is accurate and reminds me to have compassion for myself and loved ones when we unintentionally hurt each other. This breath or space I gave myself by contemplating his words enabled me to re-engage with an open heart.

“Put down the weight of your aloneness and ease into the conversation. The kettle is singing even as it pours you a drink, the cooking pots have left their arrogant aloofness and seen the good in you at last. All the birds and creatures of the world are unutterably themselves. Everything is waiting for you.” ― David Whyte, excerpt from Everything is Waiting for You.

Where in your life have you shut yourself off from life because either your or someone else’s behavior or opinion wasn’t good enough?  How might compassion help?

May you lavishly offer yourself love and affection today. And may it ease the way for greater compassion and kindness for yourself and others.