Change Your Life by Practicing Karuṇā

It's time to grow. 

In order to grow you must water yourself- pour into yourself so that you can pour into others. Have enough compassion for yourself to recognize when you need attention and give it to yourself. If you want to end suffering in the world outside of you, you must start with the world inside. 

This concept of self-compassion or self-love is one of the actions of karuṇā. Karuṇā commonly translates in English to “compassion” or “mercy” but it comes from the sanskrit root word kara, meaning “to do” or “to make”. In the west we tend to link the words “compassion” and “mercy” with pity. The more accurate translation of karuṇā would be “to do something to alleviate suffering”. 

Although it might seem selfish to practice karuṇā first as self-compassion, or self-love, you truly cannot pour from an empty cup. It is much harder to be kind and compassionate to others when you are exhausted, overwhelmed and in need. If you are well rested, well nourished and feel joyful, that will all spill over to those other people in your life. Your joy is contagious, and the mental clarity and capacity to compassionately interact with other people in your life is so much greater when you prioritize yourself first. 

In order to grow and become better people, we must practice karuṇā, starting with ourselves. Here are some ways I personally like to practice this.

Yoga Āsana

…Obviously! My āsana practice is extremely important to me. I feel that the physical practice helps my body to release tension and relax, but more so it helps me focus my mind and be present. Taking time each week to practice being present, breathing through each moment and doing my best to truly live in it, helps me to reconnect with myself. I take at least one class a week at the studio as it is much easier for me to live in the moment without cats and my partner in the house to distract me.  

Mental Health Walks

I don’t know about you, but I always feel much better after spending some time outside. I have been prioritizing taking walks in nature a few times a week to get some Vitamin D, clear my head, connect with nature and as the younger folks say “touch grass”. It really does me wonders to take a mile or so walk every few days in the park after work. Even after being on my feet for hours, the intentional walk in the park when the weather allows is incredible for my mind. I am on my feet for me, to enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of nature. A treat for my senses. I also like to stop on the trail occasionally and stand, squat or sit and just observe. The microfauna is incredible and I usually miss it when I only walk the whole time. 

Eating Nourishing Foods

I don’t mean dieting here. Of course I do mean eating food that fuels and nourishes your body, but also eating food that nourishes your soul. I do my best to eat relatively healthy foods that are less processed, and not just “empty calories”, however I treat myself to freshly made baked goods about once a week. I love a delicious chocolate croissant, cream cheese danish or chocolate chip cookie from my favorite local bakeries, and I feel nourished by those things in moderation. 

These are just a few of the ways I fill my own cup. There are so many other things you can do to take care of yourself, and by doing so, make more room to do the same for others. 

It’s time to grow- take action by practicing karuṇā today and improve your life. 

Authored by: Taylor Outram