Finding Compassion in Adversity

Finding Compassion in Adversity: A Journey of Healing and Connection

Recently, I had the profound opportunity to attend a talk by Gabor Maté in San Diego, CA. His insights into trauma and compassion have always resonated deeply with me, and I left feeling inspired and hopeful about our capacity to heal and connect with one another.

One moment from the event stood out, encapsulating the struggle many face when dealing with pain and rejection.

A young woman, whose heritage included First Nations roots through her father and Mexican lineage through her mother, bravely stood to share her struggle.

She expressed her anguish over how to cultivate compassion for those who, in her view, wished she did not exist. It was a poignant question, one that spoke to the heart of many who feel marginalized or rejected in our society.

Do We Cultivate Compassion in Adversity?

Gabor Maté listened intently and asked her a simple yet powerful question: Did she truly want to have compassion for them? The young woman’s honest response was a resounding “no.” In that moment, she revealed a truth that so many of us can relate to—the desire to fight for our right to exist, to assert our place in a world that sometimes feels unwelcoming.

Finding Our Way 

This desire to stand firm resonates with the recent protests against having a king in our country, where many have bravely spoken out for humane treatment and the rights of all individuals. It is inspiring to witness people defending their neighbors, calling for justice, and fighting for the values we hold dear. Today, I may be in a place of power, but as a woman, I recognize that this power can be fleeting.

Gabor’s response was filled with wisdom. He urged the young woman not to fight alone. “Find your people,” he advised. This advice struck me as a beacon of hope. In our journeys through anxiety, trauma, and feelings of isolation, we often forget the importance of community and support. When we face adversity, having others who understand and validate our experiences can be a powerful catalyst for healing.

Compassion in adversity does not mean we have to accept harmful behavior or overlook our own pain.

Instead, it can mean recognizing our own struggles and finding strength in solidarity. By connecting with others who share similar experiences, we can cultivate a sense of belonging that empowers us to stand firm in our identities.

If you find yourself struggling with feelings of rejection or the weight of trauma, remember that you are not alone. Seek out those who resonate with your journey—friends, support groups, or communities that embrace diversity and healing. Together, we can create a space where compassion flourishes, not only for ourselves but also for those around us.

Let’s honor our feelings and our fight for existence, recognizing that the path to healing is often paved with connection and understanding. As we walk this path, may we find the courage to support one another, fostering a world where everyone feels valued and seen.

In the spirit of Gabor Maté’s wisdom, let us choose to fight not in isolation, but in the embrace of community, living according to our values and advocating for human rights for all.

Work with Shay

If current events are feeling overwhelming and you would like to work with an anxiety and trauma specialist email Shay@overcomeanxietytrauma.com to set up a free consultation.

Shay provides Brainspotting, IFS, EMDR, Compassionate Inquiry, Somatic Experiencing, Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy, Neurofeedback, and a safety to do your work.   This current political climate can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to deal with it alone!