WHAT IS IT TO BE COMPASSIONATE?
The dictionary defines compassion as “showing kindness and empathy to others.” Sure, that’s easy enough, but what does compassion LOOK like for YOU?
After some quick research, I’ve come up with a few examples of what it looks like to be compassionate:
• Giving up some of your personal time by volunteering at the homeless shelter, the rape and abuse crisis center, your local hospice or hospital, or some other charitable facility;
• Answering your phone at 2:00 am to give support to your friend who’s in the process of a divorce;
• Calling your friend “just to talk” on the anniversary of his father’s death;
• Delivering a hotdish to your neighbors because their youngest child just left for college.
Add your own examples. True compassion exists when we give our time, support, and guidance to empower one another and expect nothing in return. It’s all about them.
For this week, pay attention to each compassionate act you experience. In the words of the Dalai Lama, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”