The Dictionary.com definition of Compassion is
A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for someone struck by misfortune,
accompanied by a desire to alleviate the suffering; mercy
But compassion for me is much more than that.
It is reaching out to another from that divine place in your heart that drives you to alleviate the suffering with kindness, understanding, caring and love.
Its essence lies in the soul and it is from the soul that you connect with another asking nothing in return. True compassion goes beyond empathy and sympathy, it is not just heart centric but soul centric.
So how do you show compassion?
I don't think there is any clear answer to that for each circumstance will be different. Sometimes it may be a kind word, or just a smile, or a little help, or a hug, or perhaps even fighting for some rights. Sometimes it might just be a universal reaching out and caring. But at all times it comes from one's heart and makes a selfless soul connection.
If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete ~ Gautama Buddha
The above quote is often interpreted as compassion for oneself. I read it quite differently. Showing compassion that is not heart and soul centric (does not include yourself), is incomplete.
There is so much violence in the world today it seems the human race has become indifferent to the sufferings of others. But perhaps it is not too late to teach our children the meaning of compassion so that future generations may find that place within to reach out to another with love and kindness.
So how do we teach our children compassion? That comes when we ourselves show it to them and others near and far.
Compassion is not an action it is soul centred emotion that leads to a heartfelt action. Sometimes that action could be just a sincere silent prayer.
Wishing you a day filled with kindness and love.
Reach out to someone today and make a soul connection.
Written for 1000 Voices Speak for Compassion, where bloggers all over the world are spreading the unanimous feeling of compassion. Link up at IndianAmericanMom
Taken from my post of Jan 14 2014
Linking to: Write Tribe Pro Blogger Challenge
Warm Regards
Tweet
Follow me on
My facebook page Suzy's Ilation
Bloglovin
Pinterest Suzy Que
Google+ Suzy Que
I think the best way is to practice it ourselves and then teach our children to do so...The future will then be secure for sure
ReplyDeleteRandom Thoughts Naba..Why No One Talks About Compassion Anymore?....
Thanks Naba - yes, teach through example.
DeleteAgree. It has to be genuine compassion that is based on the concept of encouraging the innate goodness and potential of our own and others' lives.
ReplyDeleteExactly Shilpa. Too often we show "compassion" because it is fashionable to do so.
DeleteShowing compassion that is not heart and soul centric (does not include yourself), is incomplete - This Suzy is a beautiful thought and encompasses true meaning of compassion!
ReplyDeleteThanks Aditia. Glad you thought so too.
DeleteMaking a soul connection sounds great. Lovely and inspiring article, Suzy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sulekha. Glad you found it inspiring.
Delete"Compassion lies in the soul." Hatred can never end hatred. It can come to an end with love and compassion.
ReplyDeleteSo true Payal. Only love can end hatred. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteWhat a deep truth you have shared here - compassion as a soul-centered emotion. Loved this post, Suzy. It is really important to distinguish between genuine compassion and mere pity or sympathy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Beloo. Sometimes we may not have the ability to act in anyway to alleviate that pain of another, but as we are all connected, even a silently felt soul centred compassion can make a connection.
DeleteI'd say I've never thought about being compassionate or of compassion until these so many days.. to say that it does occur to be a conscious act. But it is present, it is implicit.. and then looking around, for all the gestures and soul connections as you put it.. lovely thought.. like your soul connections, I used compassionate antennas.. lovely coinages all around today. made all of us think..
ReplyDeleteLove..to you Suzy..
The world needs more compassion. I know that I've instilled it in my 3 boys from their actions and how they are so willing to help out a perfect stranger and a friend in need. I wish there were more compassionate people like them. Great Post Suzy! I too agree with the quote by Gautama Buddha
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan. Glad you liked my post and good to hear that your boys are compassionate people. The world needs more and more. I am also blessed to have compassionate children.
DeleteCompassion all around us and sharing with our loved ones. Teaching and sharing and growing.
ReplyDeleteWell said Suzy.
Thanks Inderpreet. We all learn by example and when we teach we learn.
DeleteCompassion all around us and sharing with our loved ones. Teaching and sharing and growing.
ReplyDeleteWell said Suzy.
I love how remind us that it doesn't have to be a huge compassionate gesture - compassion can be simple and so easy to obtain. Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteThanks Allison. Glad you liked my post.
DeleteSo beautifully written, Suzy. For me, compassion is a strong feeling in my heart, and empathy, an understanding. We all make mistakes and reference to our own misdeeds should spart sympathy for someone else. I found my children were over generous and kind. Perhaps it's a natural inclination, strengthened by example and not squashed by overbearing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Francene. Feeling it in your heart is exactly as it should be.
DeleteLovely reminder Suzy here!
ReplyDeleteThanks Privy.
DeleteLove buddha's quote and it is so apt, Suzy.
ReplyDeleteLove starts from within...beautiful message :)
xoxo
Thanks Ruchira. Glad you liked it.
DeleteIsn't it wonderful that we all had the opportunity to express ourselves on such an important issue, Suzy? I think it's up to every parent and adult to show the way for the younger generation. I find that in some ways the younger generation is more compassionate than us - for the way they're open to pet adoption for one thing. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteYes it was a truly wonderful opportunity and so many great posts too. I come from a family of very compassionate people so I learned it first hand. To teach one must learn and show.
Delete