Listening to the news with people yelling at others and not listening to one another can be quite stressful for people watching and the people communicating their thoughts. These days, this confrontation is becoming more common, and it is sad to say. This scenario doesn't only happen in the news; it happens to each of us online or in real life, young and old, male and female. This month's Be More Compassionate Challenge is to bring more compassion toward one another. It may sound like a massive challenge for the month, but hopefully, by the end of the month, we will be on our way to becoming more compassionate toward others. Let's start by figuring out what compassion means.
Jump to:
Compassion is Different than Empathy
I found that Paul Dalton says it best in his YouTube video, Empathy Versus Compassion. He talks about empathy as being a way to relate to where someone is emotionally. Compassion is more about relating to the other, not only where they are emotionally, but also taking actions to help them out of wanting to assist them.
Why should we be more compassionate to others?
Being more compassionate to others is needed in this day and age of global communication. We have our opinions, and so do others. Instead of saying they are wrong or discounting them altogether, ask more questions to discover why they feel the way they do. This simple act helps you become more aware of others' viewpoints and, in turn, makes you more mindful that others are going through similar experiences. As a result of showing compassion toward others, they will hopefully be willing to understand other people around them. They will spread the word that we are all in this world together and can use a little guidance and compassion. Remember, an exemplary act can spread like wildfire when several people participate in the wind.
Where should we start?
We can be compassionate toward anyone - the poor and the wealthy, family, friends, strangers, teachers, lawyers, politicians, and anyone in need. We share this with anyone in our work or personal life. Try to be compassionate to everyone each day.
How can we be compassionate to others?
Well, this is the number one question, isn't it? Here are ways to practice compassion this month.
- Ask yourself the following questions: How can I serve others? What can I offer them that will help them improve their situation?
- Remember that everyone has their own path to figuring out their lives and that we are here to assist, not judge.
- Listening to others by making eye contact and putting down the devices.
- Practice forgiveness and acceptance toward others as well as for ourselves.
- Remember that fear can stop you from being compassionate toward another, so be aware of how fear affects you. Ask yourself questions like, why am I scared to be compassionate? Why is this stopping me from taking action to help another?
- Practice forgiveness toward others and, of course, yourself. If you feel hurt by someone, instead of judging them, remember that they are human too, and they make mistakes just like you do. If you made a mistake, would you want to be judged?
- Find a place to volunteer once a week or once a month. Help out at your kid's school, deliver food, or find something that will bring you closer to others in your community.
There you have it, this month's challenge. I know this challenge may seem overwhelming, so take your time and decide on one habit you want to change to help you get closer to being more compassionate toward others. To help you even further, I found excellent videos and posts that give different examples of how to become more compassionate. I hope they help you get a better understanding of the topic.
Posts to Read about compassion this month:
A Guide to Cultivating Compassion in Your Life, With 7 Practices
5 Ways to Feel More Love & Compassion for Yourself & Others
7 Ways to Show More Compassion to Others
Compassion Videos to watch this month:
Joan Halifax: Compassion and the true meaning of empathy
Let's show one another we are in this world together and continue the conversation. Do you have any tips on how to be more compassionate toward others? Please leave a comment below.
Please note these are affiliate links through Amazon (Affiliate Link), and at no additional cost to you, I will earn affiliate fees if you decide to make a purchase.
Sarah Soboleski says
What a pertinent post for all that's going on in the world right now. Thank you for putting together this challenge, Sabrina. And I love the quotes you chose to highlight - so uplifting!
Linda Samuels says
And let's also remember to extend some compassion to the self. We can be harshest on ourselves in addition to being harsh with others. I love the many ways that you're shared ways to increase our CQ (Compassion Quotient.) If we all did, we would make the world and our communities a better place.
Jill Robson says
I watched the same video last week, very true. I think starting with self compassion is a great way to begin to treat others with compassion. A great post in a time of uncertainty with how the world is reacting to the new US "President"
Susan Cooper says
Boy howdy. I was accosted at a grocery store I frequent by a man I didn't know because I was wearing a pink sweater. It's an old favorite, not related to any cause. I tried to explain but he wouldn't hear it and shouted over me. The store manager came to my rescue and kicked the guy out. A crowd formed around offering support. If he had just listened to my explanation, he could have avoided all that unpleasantness. Sigh!
Sabrina Quairoli says
Wow, it always amazes me what triggers people. I have to remind myself that it is not about me, it's about them. Thanks for sharing.