Comments on: Guerrilla compassion

By: Tess

Tess — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:44:57 +0000

Thank you Autumn Rose.

By: AutumnRose

AutumnRose — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 23:43:39 +0000

This is a really super idea! I am challenged, and will certainly put it into practise…for myself, I would like to mentally say the words “I ask God to bless you, in the name fo the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”, so that it is grounded in my faith ~ I will begin tomorrow!
Thanks for posting this…
AR xx

By: Tess

Tess — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:19:01 +0000

@Rachel – glad this came at the right time.
@Miss Eagle – I agree with your comment on the subversitve nature of this – as do other commenters, clearly!
@Lucy – rebellious? you?
@Epiphany Girl – thank you. I love this redefining of words. Another example I enjoy is ‘crone’ as an honorary title for an older woman of wisdom, rather than an insult.

By: Epiphany Girl

Epiphany Girl — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 01:18:23 +0000

What beautiful idea… In the past when I first learned about Metta I would remember to do this more often, but I think I will try to start again. I am always seeking a way to bring my morning practice of prayer and mediation throughout the day.
Isn’t it amazing how you can redefine a word like “guerrilla” with all of its terrible connotations and make it fresh and clean? A “subversive” act, that!

By: lucy

lucy — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:25:54 +0000

what a great post, tess! i remember reading something similar in jack kornfield’s “wise heart” and then checking out sharon salzberg’s site, i see the buddhist connection which A so wonderfully brought forth. i love the name “guerilla compassion” and find that i do it often as others have suggested…the person on the bus, the mother with the screaming child (although that may be more for me), sirens and the like.

i love miss eagle’s description of prayer as a “subversive activity”. it really appeals to the rebellious side of me

again, thank you for this wonderful reminder of a great practice. keep us posted!

By: Miss Eagle

Miss Eagle — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:52:02 +0000

So there is a name for it! I also do this with sirens: ambulances, fire, police. I pray for everyone – the patient, his/her family, the paramedics, the medical team at the hospital; the incident, the firies, the police.

I think that prayer is a subversive activity. No one can stop you doing it. No one needs to know you are doing it. No one knows when you are doing it. And, I believe, it can have I-M-P-A-C-T!

Blessings and bliss

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:55:54 +0000

It seems your words have hit me at just the right time. Thank you Tess. (and A)

By: Tess

Tess — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:45:05 +0000

SS and Christine, thank you, I’m glad this resonated with you both.

By: Abbey of the Arts

Abbey of the Arts — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:34:49 +0000

a beautiful post Tess and a wonderful invitation. I often practice something similar, albeit less intentionally focused on those I dislike. But often for the tired looking person on the bus, the homeless person asking for change, the irritable cashier. It does change me in ways that would be lovely to tend to with even more awareness. I would love to hear more as this unfolds for you.

By: Sunrise Sister

Sunrise Sister — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 02:46:29 +0000

“guerilla compassion” what a terrific idea! Blessing those whether they want it or not, whether they expect it or know it or want it or what!! GC is something I’ve done before in my life but never really had a name for it. It, I agree with you, is particularly life-changing when deciding to bless those you normally would NOT like to have much to do with! Thanks for the post.

xoxo