For me the ability to access this self-compassion signaled a significant shift that allowed me to move from paying attention to the words of the critic to feeling the pain they inflicted. Since that time, there is no longer a cell in my body that wants to let such thoughts in. There is a quiet strength in the ability to rest in that tender place. Vulnerable it is; weak it is not. It reminds me of a quote from the ancient texts that says, “Make your heart as vast as space, so big that nothing can harm it.” When our hearts are that wide, it is as if the judgments are ripples on water, flowing away and leaving no trace. This is what vulnerability makes possible. It allows the natural strength of the heart to emerge.
Mark Coleman
Spirit Rock Residential Teacher
Mark has trained extensively in the Buddhist tradition. He is a senior teacher at Spirit Rock, an author, and has taught insight meditation since 1997. Mark has led wilderness nature retreats worldwide for two decades and leads year-long nature meditation teacher trainings in the US and Europe.