Centring Down with Compassion

As we practice mindfulness of emotions we can learn to observe the changing weather of our emotions with out needing to be caught by them.

Arising And Passing 2 by Carolyn Baynes

Arising And Passing by Carolyn Baynes

Kind Mindfulness Of Breath And Body by Carolyn Baynes

**Take time to listen — to others, to ourselves and to the Light within.**

In this fifth reflection on Quaker Advices and Queries, we explore the invitation to slow down, listen with curiosity and learn from the spiritual experiences of others.

What happens when we pause before reacting? When we make room for another person's perspective, even when we disagree? And when we begin to trust that our own experiences, questions and doubts might have something valuable to teach us?

Drawing on Quaker spirituality, stories of compassion and the wisdom of contemplative traditions, we explore how taking time can transform our relationships with ourselves and one another.

We also reflect on the importance of sharing what we have learned, finding courage to speak from our own experience, and recognising that doubt and questioning can be gateways to spiritual growth.

**The talk is followed by a guided meditation** inviting us to find our still centre, notice our thoughts without becoming entangled in them, and meet our inner experience with kindness.

Rather than trying to empty the mind, we practise welcoming whatever arises with curiosity and compassion.

I'm Carolyn Baynes, a Quaker and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist. You're warmly welcome to join me in exploring how the Inner Light can guide us towards greater stillness, understanding and love.

More meditations and reflections:

https://carolynbaynes.co.uk

**How does Jesus speak to you today?**

In this fourth reflection on Quaker Advices and Queries, we explore the Christian roots of Quaker spirituality and what it might mean to encounter Jesus through love, compassion and inward guidance rather than through prescribed beliefs.

For some of us, Christian language is deeply nourishing; for others, it can carry difficult experiences. In this talk, I reflect on finding my own way towards a more personal relationship with the divine, and on how we might listen for guidance through our bodies, hearts, imagination and everyday lives.

We explore Jesus' example of love in action, the courage it can take to trust an inner voice, and the possibility of responding to our vulnerable inner world with tenderness rather than judgement.

The reflection is followed by a **guided meditation** in which we imagine a beloved presence — perhaps Jesus, the Inner Light or another image of compassion — offering us the words:

*I see you with love.

Cherished, gifted.

Grateful for all you are.*

An invitation to experience ourselves as deeply loved, and to allow that love to shape how we meet others.

I'm Carolyn Baynes, a Quaker and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist. You're warmly welcome to explore these reflections, wherever you are on your spiritual journey.

More meditations and reflections:

https://carolynbaynes.co.uk

Loving kindness is a type of meditation which can resource us and refresh us. This short meditation starts with mindfulness of breath and body, then invites us to receive love and care so that we are resourced to love and care for others.

This month friends share together their favourite Advices and Queries and bring to life why they are such powerful teachings.

A short but powerful meditation noticing pleasant, unpleasant and neutral sensations.

Take Ten 23 11 21 by Carolyn Baynes