Practicing Compassion

It is difficult for some of us to remember to practice compassion.

Some of us live in a world which tends to forget compassion. Our focus may be on getting more, more money or more security or more accomplishments. Our lives seem to be built on the immediacy of acquiring what we think we need or want. Our perspective may be bound by the people we know, our families and friends and selves.

We may only be reminded of compassion when we are jolted out of our regular rhythms. There might be a disaster or tragedy somewhere we have visited. Something might happen to someone we have met. It takes a significant event to remind us to put our compassion into practice.

Like learning an instrument or playing a sport, compassion is something we gain through practice. If we do not practice compassion every day, we never explore its depth and beauty. Responding to a crisis every now and again does not allow us to learn the lessons compassion has for us.

Practicing compassion helps us learn how to become more compassionate.

As we get to know the people around us, and around the world, we get to know ourselves. The people who tell us their stories help us gain insights and wisdom into who we truly are. Our connections to the world become clearer to us, and our compassion deepens.

The Sacred truths within us respond to the Sacred truths in the world around us.

Everyday compassion is a reflection of our connection to the world, to each other, to ourselves. As we recognize and reflect on the Sacred truths around us and within us, compassion is our response.

How will we practice compassion this week?

When will we demonstrate our connection to the world today?

[Image by quinn.anya]