Compassion
Life Between Lives therapy inspires compassion.
We at TNI send greetings and heartfelt appreciation to all supporters of “Stories of the Afterlife!” The theme of this November’s journal relates to compassion. Compassion comes from the Latin words: com, which means “together,” plus pati, which means “to suffer.” I also interpret this word to mean feeling with another. Compassion can be understood, expressed, and even experienced in various ways. Compassion can also be hard work. We may sometimes judge another as being unworthy of compassion, or can even feel that we ourselves are unworthy. One of the most wondrous aspects of LBL therapy is experiencing the compassion suffused throughout the soul realm, and demonstrated to us by the souls there, including our own soul selves. Throughout many years of LBL therapy and research, clients have expressed awe and amazement at the unconditional love, acceptance, and compassion experienced in the soul realm. Peter Smith, in his article “In the Spirit of Michael” section, has used the term compassion from spirit; a beautiful description of the depth of compassion present in the soul realm. Compassion from spirit is a precious gift experienced during LBL therapy, capable of being brought forth and transforming, healing, and bridging differences in this world.
During my own first LBL session, I found myself in a past lifetime in a Colorado town during the Gold-rush era. I was a drunken wastrel embodying hapless indifference. The only driving force in my life was the desire for the next drink of whiskey. The opening scene was of me lying by the side of the stagecoach route. I was filthy, smelly, and nearly paralyzed from drink. The people riding by would often spit on me and call me derogatory names. I was finally shot in the back as I staggered toward a saloon seeking another drink.
Soon, after rising toward a light, I found myself in a garden where I met with my guide. I felt the compassion and the understanding that flowed from him through me. After spending time in a crystalline healing fountain, my guide and I (now fully my soul self), went before my Council. I felt their compassion as they gently reviewed that lifetime, teased me a bit, and quickly sent me to study in the Hall of Records. Once there, I examined that lifetime for myself. I realized that at an earlier time I had lost my family to a massacre while I was away hunting. My homestead and fields were burned down. These were losses that my human self was unable to bear, so I turned to drink to numb the pain. The compassion my soul self had for my human self in that lifetime was deeply touching and full of wisdom. I could feel this compassion accompany me back to my current lifetime.
In this lifetime I have experienced others’ alcoholism/addiction firsthand from the time I was a young child. My parents, a stepparent, an aunt, grandfathers, cousins and others have been afflicted with this disease. Although my childhood was traumatic, I have been fortunate to not repeat this pattern. The “nature and nurture” predispositions were there, the stage was set. I learned immediately as a teenager experimenting with alcohol that it wasn’t for me. An important aspect that I lacked for many years was compassion for alcoholics/addicts in general. I had to overcome much anger at first, work through various related issues with Adult Children of Alcoholics and therapists, and learn how to forgive. I had to recognize this was a disease. I attempted, however feebly, to feel compassion for those who were afflicted. My LBL experience via this past life regression, however, brought me to an acute awareness of what it was like to be that alcoholic. I could feel what my human self was feeling: the despair, and the drive to numb the pain. Although people suffer from addictions for many reasons, the compassion I feel for them has expanded exponentially since I experienced this LBL. I can put myself in their place more easily and I can feel with them.
Of course there must be balanced compassion in that self-compassion is so essential. If a situation makes one uncomfortable, taking care of oneself and avoiding the situation may be necessary. Compassion does not mean enabling or tolerating abuse. Compassion for self also involves taking responsibility for one’s choices, yet being gentle and not harshly judging or blaming oneself. In the famous words of psychotherapist Albert Ellis, “Stop should-ing on yourself.” On Earth, many things happen that are out of our control, and it can be a blessing to just do our best at any given time or circumstance, and accept the reality as it is. This is poignantly illustrated in the case story, “Compassion for Self” by Suzanne Campbell. Yes, we make choices and don’t always realize what outcomes may result. Still, we are worthy of compassionate learning which can begin with compassion toward oneself.
We hope that you enjoy our newest edition of “Stories of the Afterlife.” Jimmy Quast’s “Special Feature” article reveals that sometimes the best way to share compassion is by holding the space in silence. Asya Sirovnik, in her “Social Perspective” column, describes compassion in a more active way and illustrates how her experience of Oneness inspired her to take action on behalf of those in need. In “From the Dr’s Desk,” Dorothea Fuckert, M.D. offers physiological and spiritual information regarding the heart’s wisdom. The “Research” section of this journal by Ann Clark, PhD, provides an exploration and deeper understanding of the role of violence in a soul’s development. Peter Smith has written a warm and appreciative book review of Rita Borenstein’s book, To Soul Home and Back. Additionally, the “In the Spirit of Michael” section holds Peter’s moving article, “Compassion – Our Greatest Gift from the Spiritual Realm.” Savarna Wiley’s heart-centered interview with Angie Noon is located in the “Where in the World is my LBL Therapist?” column. We are pleased to present four case stories from different areas of the world, kindly submitted by our certified LBL therapists. These interesting and enriching cases explore or relate to facets of the theme of compassion.
Compassion, the sweet fruit nurtured and grown in the pervasive unconditional love of the soul realm, can increase our understanding, acceptance, and appreciation of one another here on Earth. Compassion can feed, heal, and grow our souls. Compassion is connectedness – compassion is Oneness.
From all of us here at TNI, please accept our gratitude for your continuing support!
Sending love and blessings to all,
Elizabeth
The editor, Elizabeth Watson, is a certified LBL hypnotherapist who practices near Portland, Maine, USA during summer months, and in Tucson, Arizona, USA during winter months
For more information about Elizabeth or to schedule a session