“Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom”― Rumi
So I’ve got a cold and feel pretty horrible. I also cut the heck out of my thumb yesterday which means I am reticent to do my normal exercise routine as the wound keeps opening when I put pressure on it. Suffice it to say that I’m feeling crappy and a tad melodramatic. I began looking for some teachings on turning our suffering (more specifically, sickness) into a springboard for cultivating compassion. I know there are some lojong teachings out there that fit the bill but this quote immediately came to mind.
May I use this sickness and suffering to reflect on the real sufferings of countless beings.
May I appreciate my lot and the opportunities I have that so many others do not.
May I not use this suffering as an excuse to inflate the sense of self.
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
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