When our hearts become awakened to reality, it can be quite painful and challenging to observe the suffering in our own lives as well as the suffering in the lives of others. But no matter how we might try, once we’ve woken up, there is no going back to sleep. We may avoid, repress, numb, or rage out, but reality will beckon us forward on our path of evolution again and again. And that’s actually a good thing. From the perspective of Eastern spiritual traditions, it is very rare for a human being to willingly turn toward pain with curiosity, courage, and compassion. It’s only by facing the pain that we discover a space inside of us that remains untouched by it. And this awakened, tender heart is what reminds us that we are alive. It compels us to act in ways that are in alignment with the whole; we evaluate our impact on the world around us.  Through spiritual practice, we cultivate inner resilience: an ability to recover from difficulty. We learn to bend without breaking. Now more than ever, we are being challenged to stand strong in our integrity and our values. But I want you to understand that we are not without tools and resources right now. Many have been involved in the work of overcoming oppression for decades if not centuries and millennia. And to my mind, what’s most important in this moment is that we continue to build community. The only way for us to reimagine a just, compassionate, equitable society is to create it, brick by brick, together. Much of that work has already been in play. It just may be time for you to join in or lend more of your energy to it.  Let’s work together to take the meaningful action necessary to support ourselves and each other. Let us be stretched and challenged in ways that bring out the very best of ourselves–for our benefit and for the benefit of all beings, everywhere.   SHOW NOTES:  ✦Valarie Kaur speech | https://youtu.be/qQ7QlKG70LE?si=uy52oQg4jXZDHqhK ✦Valarie Kaur - Revolutionary Love Project | https://revolutionarylove.org/ ____________________________ Do you love this content and want to support the show?Buy Me A Coffee at: buymeacoffee.com/JeniJuarezllcI sincerely appreciate your support! ____________________________ Learn More About Virtual Offerings and Live Events in West Michigan ✦Website | https://www.jenijuarez.com✦Facebook |facebook.com/TendingtoChange ✦Instagram |instagram.com/tendingtochangewithjeni/ ____________________________ Tending to Change is hosted by Jeni Juarez, a 500-hr Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), a mother of four, and a dedicated student on the path of the heart. She offers public classes as well as personal sessions designed to inspire and empower the individual to reclaim their wholeness and sovereignty, for the benefit of all beings. Having struggled with trauma, addiction, and debilitating anxiety, she has deep gratitude for the power of nature, stillness practices, and loving community to completely change the trajectory of one’s life. Jeni believes there is a significant undervaluation of emotional resilience and cultivating peace of mind in our fast-paced, over-achieving culture, and she’s excited to be a part of the momentum that is actively working to change that narrative. ____________________________ Please know that… The intent of this podcast is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. Content presented or posted on this channel is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a professional therapeutic relationship. In the event you use any of the information in these episodes for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the creator assumes no responsibility for your actions.