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, sad to say.
This scenario doesn't only happen in the news; it happens to each one of us online or in real life, young and old, male and female. This month's challenge is to bring forth more compassion toward one another. It may sound like a huge 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 with first figure out what compassion means.
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 but so do others. Instead of saying they are wrong or discounting them all together, start by asking more questions to find out why they feel the way they do. This simple act helps you become more aware of others view points and in turn, helps you become more mindful of the fact that others are going through similar experiences. As a result of showing your compassion toward others, hopefully they will also be willing to understand other people around them and will spread the word that we are all in this world together and we can all use a little guidance and compassion. Remember a good act can spread like wild fire when there's several people taking part in the wind.
Where should we start?
We can be compassionate toward anyone. The poor and the wealthy, family, friends, strangers, teachers, lawyers, politicians, anyone that is 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 be of service to others? What can I offer others that will help them better 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 is affecting 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 kids school. Help delivery food. 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 talk about 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. Let's continue the conversation. Do you have any tips on how to stay more compassionate toward others? Please leave a comment below.
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Sarah Soboleski
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
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
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
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
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.