V is for Venkateshwara: Radiate Compassion (Without Self Sacrifice or Sabotage)
By
Heart by artsandsoul, Dreamstime
Venkateshwara is the Hindu god of compassion and is associated with the anahata (heart) chakra. Both compassion and an open heart are important qualities to possess as an artist and can help one easily express their creativity and uniqueness. Venkatesheara’s vehicle is Garuda, the king of the birds, and he governs the heart center and successful, blissful relationships.
Venkateshwara idol has four hands that hold different objects, symbolizing various qualities: in his top right hand, he holds a chakra weapon which represents overcoming fear; in the top left hand he holds a conch shell (blown both in times of war and when there is gain in one’s life) which symbolizes overcoming greed; his lower right hand represents surrender to existence; and the lower left hand represents embracing life.
Heart Center and Compassion
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion”. ~ Dalai Lama
It is important to keep your heart center open and flowing as an artist. Someone told me many years ago that the heart = he (god or goddess) + art, and I have found this to be very true. When your heart center is open and unblocked your creativity flows beautifully. A great way to open your heart center is by showing compassion to others, especially those you find repulsive or unpleasant. If we are all truly connected and “one”, then why not be compassionate towards others? People we find difficult or dislike are actually reflecting part of us back to ourselves (maybe the shadows we don’t want to recognize or process). Although it is difficult, try to radiate compassion and be kind to these people. A good trick is to imagine yourself in their shoes, and maybe try to understand why they may act as they do sometimes.
Have a Com-Passion-ate Heart
“Passion is the genius of genius”. Anthony Robbins
Be passionate! Don’t be wishy-washy about your life or your art because it will show through. Most successful artists are passionate people and single-mindedly devote themselves to their art. They are driven by a force beyond themselves. This is what it takes – you need to commit one hundred percent. Fifty percent will not do! (Unless you want a wishy-washy life!).
“We all need to look into the dark side of our nature – that’s where the energy is, the passion. People are afraid of that because it holds the pieces of us we’re denying”. ~ Sue Grafton
It might not seem fashionable to say this, but what is wrong with being intense and obsessed with a particular idea? It makes you vibrant and alive! If you’re feeling blocked in your life or your art, think about what you loved to do as a child, and try that. You may dance your way to joy and passion, or find some other activity, but do something!
Also, don’t be afraid to look at your shadows. Without recognizing and embracing your shadows, how can you then use the information they provide in a positive way. This can be difficult work but is very worthwhile and can propel you to greater heights with your art and creative life.
Overcome Fear and Greed
“I believe in human dignity as the source of national purpose, human liberty as the source of national action, the human heart as the source of national compassion, and the human mind as the source of our inventions and ideas”. ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Venkateshwara holds objects in his upper hands to symbolize overcoming fear and greed. These two emotions can definitely block your heart and restrict your compassion and creativity. It is not easy to overcome these emotions and it is a constant ongoing process depending on what circumstances show up in your life.
A good way to help overcome fear is to look at it and observe it deeply. Usually fear of looking at our fears stops us from overcoming this emotion. If you start facing your fears in a systematic way with awareness, gradually you will see them dissolve. Intelligence and awareness will replace your fears and you will have less of this emotion in your being.
Greed is the result of jealousy and comparison with others. It can result in being too centered on material things, low self-esteem, and depression to name but a few. The vishuddhi (throat) chakra is locked by greed, comparison, and jealousy, and when it is opens our creativity and uniqueness flowers.
I have previously written on how to heal and open your throat chakra, but some other techniques to help this chakra open are as follows: a) each time you desire something, deeply analyze the desire. Is it something that springs from deep within, or is it a borrowed desire after you compare yourself with another person; b) instead of comparing yourself with others who are more beautiful, successful etc., compare yourself with others who are less fortunate. This way you will not take things for granted, and will actually begin to develop gratitude for what you do have.
Be Kind to Others
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile”. ~ Mother Theresa
A great way to cultivate compassion is to be kind to others. The Irish are famous for their hospitality. I have a sign at the front of my house that says “Cead Mile Failte” which is a Gaelic saying that translates as “A hundred thousand welcomes”. Basically it means that if someone visits your house, you should treat them kindly, feed them, be pleasant, and try to make them feel better and happier when they leave. This is a nice rule to live by and I try to practice it as much as I can, but I am not always perfect!
It doesn’t take much effort to be kind. It could be something as simple as letting someone in front of you in the grocery store if they only have one item to purchase, or letting someone drive pass in front of you on the street. Perhaps you can make someone smile each day, or say some kind words to make someone feel better. Experiment and see what works for you. It is a virtuous cycle and everyone benefits.
Radiate Compassion without Self-Sacrifice or Sabotage
“For those who may not find happiness to exercise religious faith, it’s okay to remain a radical atheist, it’s absolutely an individual right, but the important thing is with a compassionate heart – then no problem”. ~ Dalai Lama
It is important to keep your heart center open and radiate compassion, but you need to make sure that you don’t become a doormat or let others think they can walk all over you. There is a fine line between being a compassionate person, and being a pushover. It may seem contradictory to say this, but although it is important to keep your heart center flowing and live compassionately, at the same time one must remain strong, set boundaries, and know when to say “No”!
Women are often the primary caretakers for the family, because by nature we tend to normally enjoy this role and naturally radiate compassion. Women often find it difficult to say “No” to others because we have been raised to be “good girls”. It is easy to always put other’s needs first, and ignore our own. One has to actively work on recognizing their own needs and find a balance between the joy of serving others, without forgetting oneself.
As an artist, or any other profession for that matter, time is the most valuable resource. Notice that when you set time aside to paint, compose, write, or engage in some other creative activity, often we self-sabotage by finding something else to do (the washing, fixing the car etc.). If we don’t self-sabotage, then many times someone else suddenly, mysteriously needs help and we self-sacrifice for others. Stop doing this!
You need to respect your creative time as sacred and not sacrifice or sabotage yourself for the sake of others. If you do this too much, you become angry and resentful, which is a vicious cycle that in turn blocks your heart center and creativity. Let the significant others in your life know that this time is off limits. A good trick is to schedule your creative time on your calendar, and make an appointment with yourself. If someone asks if you are available, check your calendar, and you can honestly say that you have a previous appointment. No further explanation is necessary.
Compassion is a Path to Enlightenment
Besides a compassionate nature helping to open our heart center and increase creativity, the great side effect is that it is one of the best paths to enlightenment. Think of all the great leaders whether religious, political, creative etc. They were compassionate people!
“Only when we live
in harmony with the Tao
will harmony come.
There is no other way.
Only when compassion and wisdom
flow in abundance
from emptiness and silence
will cruelty fail
and mercy prevail”.
~ The Tao is Tao, 42
How do you practice compassion in your daily life?
What are you passionate about? Do you actively pursue your passions?
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