Compassion

COMPASSION = feeling of deep tenderness for another person who is suffering or experiencing misfortune

QUESTION: Do you feel compassion?

STORY: I will always remember being a middle school art teacher in Vista, CA. One day, my student, Terrell, came into class carrying a little box. He put the box under his desk. It was closed but had holes in it and I wondered if there was something alive inside the box. I didn’t say anything until the bell rang and as Terrell walked toward the door I whispered to him: “What’s in the box?” Terrell said, “Oh, come look at this bird that I found laying on the sidewalk near the driveway.” Terrell opened the box and I saw the tiniest, most beautiful woodpecker. His wing looked ok but kinda wrinkled and his leg looked limp. “What will you do with him?” I asked. Terrell said, “I’m going to take care of him and help him to fly.” Thank you Terrell for your compassion. I’ve learned so much from teaching students in middle school.

QUOTES

“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world - for indeed, that’s all who ever have.” ~ Margaret Mead

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” ~ Dalai Lama

“Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.” ~ Albert Einstein

EXERCISE

STOP.

Sit quietly. Assume an erect posture. Sense the breath.

Relax and KNOW that you are connected with the physical world around you that appears to be separate from you. Also, KNOW that there is a part of you that is not physical. It is your Soul and it KNOWS compassion is flowing through you and the world.

Get your pen and paper and write words or draw lines expressing the SOUL Energy of Compassion flowing through your body connecting you with the world around you. Move forward into your day feeling this compassion.