We live in dire times. The world seems beset with problems of various kinds. Natural disasters on the scale we’ve never witnessed before. Wildfires. Hurricanes. Floods. Then there’s so much race-related hatred and religious intolerance. At times, we’re overcome with the weight of it all and wonder where we’re headed. I believe that, just as the generations before us were called to make choices, we too must choose compassion over hatred and love over fear today.
We live in a time when science is validating what humans have known throughout the ages: that compassion is not a luxury; it is a necessity for our well-being, resilience, and survival. – Roshi Joan Halifax
Compassion Is Not A Luxury
Watch this short video to see a group of children displaying compassion:
(This is the heartwarming moment a schoolboy with Down’s Syndrome came first in a sports day race – after a group of his classmates teamed up to let him win. Thoughtful pupils at Baydon St. Nicholas Primary joined arms and ran one step behind 11-year-old Ollie Chambers in an amazing show of kindness.)
Watch this group of youngsters showing solidarity with their classmate
I believe that compassion and empathy comes naturally to us. You may have noticed toddlers crying quietly when a movie or a story being read to them reaches a sad part. Tears just seem to flow. It’s when these qualities are not emphasised through adults examples and meaningful discussions, that children can lose their empathy and compassion.
As adults too, it’s possible to lose our compassion when we’re filled with fear. Fear of an unknown future, of people who are different from us in looks, behaviour and beliefs, fear that our community is at threat.
Social media is such a microcosm of the world. I see such displays of hatred and violence. And yet, I see so much of compassion and empathy on display too. So many people reach out to others in solidarity and understanding. People speak out for minorities at risk to themselves. Others who raise money to help people in need. Rescuing people and animals. Donating blood. At the height of pandemic, so many marvelous people helped older and other vulnerable strangers to get basic needs.
Today, in a world that is so polarized, we’re being called to look deep within ourselves and fight our own prejudices and fears. We’re being called to draw from the natural resources of compassion and empathy deep within to fight against hatred and injustice.
Let’s realise that compassion is not a luxury – it’s an absolute necessity today!
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I agree that compassion is not a luxury, it is a necessity!
Thanks for stopping by, Barb and for adding your link.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..20 Minutes
I totally agree. Compassion is not at all a luxury. We need it today as never before. And you don’t need to do something big to show compassion. It’s small things that matter; as you mentioned picking up groceries for an eldery neighbour who lives alone. Giving your maid a cup of tea when she comes in the pouring rain. Telling her sit at the table with me, not on the floor. Small things which have such a huge effect.
You’re absolutely right, Sunita. Always the little things!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Gratitude For Little Things