Positivity: Compassion
Compassion is something we all crave. We want the people around us to take our hopes and dreams into account in their actions as much as we might consider theirs in ours.
What is compassion? Dictionary.com defines it thus:
A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire
to alleviate the suffering.
When we see people suffering we want to step up and help them. We want to do what we can to better their lot, because that is what we would want them to do for us.
Compassion is not a weakness. It is a strength to show depth of emotion.
We are all one. That’s the simple explanation for each and every one of us. The divisions we experience, whether it be nationality or gender or sexual orientation or skin color are all artificial. We see injustice and pain and suffering all caused by misunderstandings that come of these slight differences, and we sometimes let our fear of our differences get the better of us.
Just because they look different or love differently or speak a different language or worship in a way different from our own they are not lessor nor greater than us. Those that are unlike how we are in whatever way it may be do not deserve to suffer, they do not deserve to tormented or disregarded or treated unequally. They deserve compassion.
Compassion is one of the things that separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom. We do not just exist on survival of the fittest, we strive to help all of our race to survive. We can raise one another up or tear each other down. We can turn our backs on those who are suffering or we can show compassion and try to lend a hand.
Fear is easily exploited. Fear of the unknown is used as a weapon against compassion. I have yet to see a situation where showing fear instead of compassion made anything better or anyone stronger.
Compassion allows us a chance to work to improve the lot of another. I do not know of anyone that would not want the same to be done for them if they were suffering in return. Showing compassion for the plight of others is deeply positive, and feels a whole lot better than fear.
Fear of the unknown simply because it is different is irrational. Before we lash out at the things we fear we need to consider if our actions are based in compassion and logic or fear and irrationality.
Consider how fear makes you feel negative whereas compassion makes you feel positive. Which do you prefer to experience?
Finding positivity is not hard, it just requires action. Knowing that compassion can build greater positivity in the world, we can choose it over fear and irrationality. When we choose to show compassion for the suffering of others we empower them, and in empowering others we empower ourselves. When we feel empowered, we often spread that feeling to others around us, and as such can build more positive feelings. We can use the positive feelings this generates to dissolve negative feelings. When we take away negative feelings, we open up space to let in positive feelings, and that is something we can be grateful for. Gratitude leads to happiness. Happiness is the ultimate positive attitude. Positive attitude begets positive energy, and that is always a good thing.
This is the ninety-fifth entry of my Positivity series. It is my hope these weekly messages might help spread positive energies for everyone. Feel free to share, re-blog and spread the positivity.
Follow me here!
