Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN

Imagine yourself lost in a dense forest, surrounded by thick underbrush and tangled branches. Your mind races with worries, plans, judgments, and endless to-do lists. This is much like the state many of us live in daily—a trance of reactivity where our attention is narrowed, and our hearts are closed or defended. This trance disconnects us from our true nature and the world around us. We find ourselves caught in patterns of fear, anger, or self-judgment, often unaware of how deeply these states shape our experience.

But there is a way out. By simply pausing and turning our attention inward, we create a clearing in this dense forest. This clearing is a space of presence—wakefulness, openness, and tenderness—that allows us to see clearly and respond with compassion. Presence is like the vast sky that holds all weather without resistance. Whether we feel joy, sorrow, fear, or excitement, presence can hold it all without being overwhelmed.

For example, consider the story of a mother who, overwhelmed by anxiety about preparing a talk, ignored the precious moments with her elderly mother. When she paused and turned inward, she recognized her anxious thoughts and feelings, allowed them to be present, investigated their source, and nurtured herself with kindness. This simple practice shifted her heart, allowing her to reconnect with love and presence, transforming her experience from frantic to peaceful.

This clearing is not about fixing or escaping our emotions but about inviting them into the light of mindful awareness. When we recognize that we are in trance—perhaps by noticing physical tension, reactive thoughts, or emotional numbness—we can begin to make a U-turn, shifting from unconscious reaction to conscious presence. This shift opens the door to healing and freedom.

As you move forward, keep this image of the clearing in mind. It is your refuge in the midst of life’s storms, a place where your true self can shine through the clutter of conditioned patterns. The journey has begun, and the practice of RAIN will be your guide to deepen this awakening.

Now, let’s explore how saying yes to life, even in the face of difficulty, can transform our relationship with ourselves and others.