“The antidote of hatred, of violence, is compassion – there is no other medicine. Unfortunately compassion is not available in the supermarket. You have to generate the nectar of compassion in your heart.” Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk
Lately I’ve been feeling more compassion for people. Rather than judge someone’s behavior I’m learning to seek to understand their pain first. I find that I want to help them lessen their pain but don’t know how. I realize that I don’t want to ‘fix’ them. I understand that each one of us has an individual and unique journey of growth and awakening; however, I want to understand and help ease their suffering if possible. Perhaps just listening without judging is helpful! I’ve been told that this is helpful. Have you had a similar experience?
There are many reasons to react negatively to what’s happening in our environment today. Examples of hatred and violence can be found everywhere and yet I find many examples of kindness where neighbors are helping neighbors. Seeds of compassion are being planted in many neighborhoods through human relationships and caring for one another. Prayer and meditation groups are gathering to offer healing and peace for humanity and the Earth. I ask myself, “Is the nectar of compassion flowing more consciously within hearts?” It’s a beginning isn’t it? Does being more compassionate bring more happiness? I believe it does. Without wanting to understand someone’s pain and try to help lessen it I ask myself, “How can I be happy?”
Albert Schweitzer, Doctor, missionary, philosopher and musician reminds us that, “The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve . . . The purpose of life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.” In other words, seek to understand another’s pain and then try to find a way to lessen it. Being willing to help others is a part of why we’re here. How much love, kindness, compassion, and acceptance can we offer to first ourselves and then others? We have limitless potential don’t we?
Understanding another’s pain doesn’t mean agreeing with the cause of the pain does it? I find that when I help someone I feel happy. And guess what? It doesn’t have to seem like a big deal to you. What’s important is how the other person feels! Have you experienced this kind of happiness when you’ve helped someone through their suffering? The Dalai Lama, Spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has said, “Differences in religious beliefs, politics, social status, and position are all secondary. When we look at someone with compassion, we are able to see beyond these secondary differences and connect to the primary essence that binds all humans together as one.”
These secondary situations are superficial. Let’s dive deep beyond the surface reaching into our divine essence, LOVE, and seek to understand through the lens of a compassionate heart. Before judging someone let’s ask, “Am I looking at this person with compassion? How can I help?” I’m sending lots of love your way and hope your week is filled with beauty and understanding!
I am available, for private sessions at Storm Wisdom on Tuesdays from 1p – 6p by appointment. If you would like to connect with me or schedule a channeled private session on Tuesdays to explore becoming more of who you are, please call Storm Wisdom (602)334-1204. I am also available by phone or Zoom on other days. To schedule go to victoriabarna.com.