Give Yourself Grace and Space
How’s your relationship with your phone? Mine’s a bit of a mess.
Recently, my husband gently (well, kind of) reminded me: “Do you realize we were in the middle of a conversation when you started texting?” Ouch. And—truth! My impulsivity isn’t exactly helped by having such a powerful machine constantly within reach.
And yet, that same handheld device can also be a source of insight and support for living more intentionally. Many of you know the excellent work of my friend, colleague, and mentor Scott Stoner, co-founder of Living Compass. Recently, Living Compass launched a new app designed to support wellness and spirituality. In the app’s introduction, Scott reminds us:
“When we are more aware and intentional about how we are choosing our spirituality as the compass for our life, we will experience greater calm, greater joy, and just a greater sense of well-being. And then we will be able to offer that well-being back into the world.”
Amen to that.
I’ve been enjoying the Living Compass app, which you can download here for iPhones or here for Android/Google phones. It offers thoughtful meditations organized around topics like parenting, resilience, strengthening relationships, caring for the body, and self-compassion. Additionally there are courses and practices provided.
Just recently, I was feeling exhausted—from working late, not creating enough margin in my day—and then I found myself overwhelmed with emotion after rescuing a dog from a busy road. Though the pup was happily reunited with its owner, the encounter left me aching. I couldn’t shake the sad realization that I couldn’t rescue every lost pup.
Back at my office, instead of diving into my to-do list, I paused. I lit a candle, put in my AirPods, and gave myself a few quiet minutes with the an offering in the Self Compassion section of the Living Compass Meditations, titled “A Meditation For People Experiencing Compassion Fatigue.”
It wasn’t magic—but I was breathing deeper. And I felt more ready to face the rest of my day.
We’re doing this “life” thing together.
Some days we feel strong—spiritually, emotionally, physically. Other days, it’s like one of the spokes on the wheel just flies off. When that happens, I hope you’ll give yourself the grace and space to remember how precious you are—and how precious this life is.
One insight that continues to stay with me: even if we can’t individually create all the change we long for, every small effort moves us closer. And when we walk alongside one another, the weight doesn’t feel quite so heavy.
If you are experiencing “Compassion Overload” too, remember: Caring for ourselves isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
Grace and Peace,
Mary Bea Sullivan, Director
