In dealing with those who are undergoing great suffering, if you feel "burnout" setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself. The point is to have a long-term perspective.
Interpretation
Self-care is essential when supporting others in distress.
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-care when helping those who are suffering. It suggests that if one starts to feel overwhelmed or exhausted, it is crucial to take a step back to recharge and regain strength. This approach ultimately benefits both the caregiver and the person being supported, highlighting the need for a long-term perspective in relationships and caregiving.
In practice
In a speech on mental health awareness, you could quote the Dalai Lama to emphasize the importance of self-care for caregivers.
Human beings are not intrinsically selfish, which isolates us from others. We are essentially social animals who depend on others to meet our needs. We achieve happiness, prosperity and progress through social interaction. Therefore, having a kind and helpful attitude contributes to our own and others' happiness.
Material objects give rise to physical happiness, while spiritual development gives rise to mental happiness. Since we experience both physical and mental happiness, we need both material and spiritual development. This is why, for our own good and that of society we need to balance material progress with inner development.
All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.
The ultimate source of a happy life is warm-heartedness. This means extending to others the kind of concern we have for ourselves. On a simple level we find that if we have a compassionate heart we naturally have more friends. And scientists today are discovering that while anger and hatred eat into our immune system, warm-heartedness and compassion are good for our health.
My religion is kindness. _x000D_ A good mind, a good heart, _x000D_ warm feelings these are _x000D_ the most important things.
If a person's basic state of mind is serene and calm, then it is possible for this inner peace to overwhelm a painful physical experience. On the other hand, if someone is suffering from depression, anxiety, or any form of emotional distress, then even if he or she happens to be enjoying physical comforts, he will not really be able to experience the happiness that these could bring.
Before you give advice, that is to say advice which you have not been asked to give, it is well to put to yourself two questions - namely, what is your motive for giving it, and what is it likely to be worth? If these questions were always asked, and honestly answered, there would be less advice given.
Zen teaches nothing; it merely enables us to wake up and become aware. It does not teach, it points.
The sleeping fox catches no poultry.
When you are on a great horse, you have the best seat you will ever have.
He that lives upon hope will die fasting.
Pitching always beats batting β and vice-versa.
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