I had a meeting with a virtues group this morning and companioned a friend through fears around past suffering. I had not chosen a virtue prior to this meeting and as a group we chose together. As we each reflected, we talked about past hurts, potential obstacles, road blocks and fresh chances. It struck me during this conversation that fresh chances are not second chances, there is no number attached. They are not offered because they are deserved or earned. They are just the product of practicing mercy. It is easy for me to become stuck in justice, rehashing the wrongdoing and desiring some comeuppance for the other person, organisation, institution that did me wrong. It is through the practice of mercy that I become unstuck. It involves turning my gaze from faults to search for and affirm praiseworthy attributes, to turn my attention and energy toward seeking out my own shortcomings before I presume to condemn others. It is a renewal of my mental attitude, embracing forgiveness and involves extreme tenderness for myself and others.
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