What is one word that describes you?
I want to think that I’m compassionate. Only yesterday I have reflected about compliments I have received, which led to considerations about past volunteer work. Recently, I have reminisced fondly about traditions I carry on from my ancestors. Additionally, I have thought about experiences I had that have changed my view of the world. Even when meditating about confidence I have stressed the importance of humility and self-awareness.
Compassion towards others
Compassion is the ability to recognize the suffering of others and take action to help.
It goes beyond just feeling sympathy. It involves genuine concern. There is also a wish to alleviate another person’s pain or hardship. Compassion often requires patience, understanding, and emotional strength.
I have watched the news recently and have felt appalled by some developments we have seen in the international stage. It seems that some world leaders have embraced a brutal approach to solving conflicts, have abandoned diplomacy and humanitarian efforts. The situation may get worse before it gets better. But I’m sure that compassion will win in the end. Where some people have stepped aside, others have stepped in and filled the void. In the history of humanity, the tyrants never got to be celebrated. The empathetic rulers are the ones who are affectionately remembered. I am happy and proud to be part of a compassionate nation. We have got each other’s backs. Together, we will pass through this turbulent moment.
Compassion towards ourselves
Now, something that bears repeating, we must take care of ourselves before we are capable of helping others. We need to look with compassion towards ourselves. We must forgive our past, we shouldn’t be so harsh about bygone failures. But it is important to make amends where necessary. Finally, we need to look with optimism about our own future.
Be it towards others or towards ourselves, the human part can’t be forgotten. We are all humans, and that’s the secret for feeling compassion and empathy. We put ourselves in each other’s shoes. If we don’t want something bad for ourselves, we shouldn’t like that for the others.