Daily Compass

In order to make amends for the things we have done to hurt others, we must first be honest with ourselves about what we have done.

Who have you hurt in the past year to whom you need to make amends?

“The challenges surrounding apologies and forgiveness, repentance and reconciliation, amends and atonement invite a lot of questions, and they’re neither simple nor theoretical. They impact the very structure of our criminal justice system. They are ever-present in our rapidly shifting conversation on sexual abuse. These questions haunt the legacies of every country touched by colonialism and white supremacy, and they hang painfully over our intimate bonds, our family and professional relationships, and our communities.”

-Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, On Repentance and Repair

When have you seen repentance and reconciliation work in your life?

Sometimes, our feelings are hurt by the actions of another. Sometimes, we hurt others’ feelings. How we approach repair in this situation is important–we must center the person who is hurt.

How have you experienced repair when your feelings have been hurt?

Sometimes, it is necessary to find the right tools for a repair. This goes as much for the tools of relationships as it does for the tools of mechanics.

What are the tools you have used to repair relationships?

“The redwood is one of the few conifers that sprout from the stump and roots, and it declares itself willing to begin immediately to repair the damage of the lumberman and also that of the forest-burner.” -John Muir

How can you be inspired by the regenerative forces of nature?