Participation is the heart of the matter. Another word for participate in the dictionary is "share" or "sharing in" or "have a share in." I can see no other way to do life than to participate in it. One day when I was younger I realized that I could either sit back and watch or read about other peoples’ lives, or I could get out there and take the responsibility to fully participate in my life. What does that look like? For me it is being present, showing up for life and saying yes to whatever opportunity is in front of me. It is "playing ball," not sitting on the sidelines watching others play, not sitting around complaining about how I wish things were different.

For some time now I have wanted to play a bigger game. I practice conscious compassionate awareness. I practice being the person I want the world to be. And now I am so grateful for all the new opportunities that Living Compassion has afforded me.  I have wanted to make a difference in a larger way. With Living Compassion, I can be a part of, or as the dictionary says, "share in" or "have a share in" the work of Living Compassion in so many ways; with my financial support, my volunteer efforts, my prayers and what ever other way presents itself. As I participate in the work of Living Compassion, I feel like I am participating in MY life in a big way because, as we know, there is no separation. I receive much more than I could ever give. That is the funny thing about participation. The more I participate in life, the more I "share in" my life, the more "shares I have in" my life and the bigger and more joyful life gets.