Ailish
Administrator Emerita
In spiritual circles we speak a lot about “having compassion” for others – and for ourselves. Everyone you speak with – claims that aside from love, compassion is one of the most important things you can give to another person.
If it is fairly “common knowledge,” then how do we get so far away from the heart of compassion?
I have seen many people who claim to be spiritual show very little regard for others’ feelings, hold onto petty grudges, and outwardly seek -with intent- to hurt another being with their words and/or actions. These individuals actions are based in egocentricity – and they are limited by the negative energies of hatred, jealousy and anger.
I admit I am not even close to perfect – I get angry when someone else aims darts my way. Or when someone threatens, intimidates or runs down someone I love. But I am continually learning and growing - and I know that each form of resistance or negativity is a challenge - a lesson. 90 percent of the time I am pretty good about being compassionate first and foremost. When I’m not – I know I am doing wrong and feel a terrible guilt – a horrible twisting sensation in my solar plexus. It never takes me long to resolve the situation.
I know what compassion means to me personally. It’s something my friends and I have discussed in depth quite frequently. Now I’d like to hear your thoughts.
What does compassion mean to you? Why have we fallen so far away from the ability to love and to be compassionate towards others – even those who we feel do us harm? How do we learn to embrace our compassionate side again at a familial level? A national level? A global level?
If you have a story to share – or a specific writing, or favorite quote about compassion, or even if you just feel like sharing your thoughts, I’d love to hear from you.
Aili
If it is fairly “common knowledge,” then how do we get so far away from the heart of compassion?
I have seen many people who claim to be spiritual show very little regard for others’ feelings, hold onto petty grudges, and outwardly seek -with intent- to hurt another being with their words and/or actions. These individuals actions are based in egocentricity – and they are limited by the negative energies of hatred, jealousy and anger.
I admit I am not even close to perfect – I get angry when someone else aims darts my way. Or when someone threatens, intimidates or runs down someone I love. But I am continually learning and growing - and I know that each form of resistance or negativity is a challenge - a lesson. 90 percent of the time I am pretty good about being compassionate first and foremost. When I’m not – I know I am doing wrong and feel a terrible guilt – a horrible twisting sensation in my solar plexus. It never takes me long to resolve the situation.
I know what compassion means to me personally. It’s something my friends and I have discussed in depth quite frequently. Now I’d like to hear your thoughts.
What does compassion mean to you? Why have we fallen so far away from the ability to love and to be compassionate towards others – even those who we feel do us harm? How do we learn to embrace our compassionate side again at a familial level? A national level? A global level?
If you have a story to share – or a specific writing, or favorite quote about compassion, or even if you just feel like sharing your thoughts, I’d love to hear from you.
Aili