There are many other principles associated with compassion, so I'm actually speaking in terms of several. I've found firsthand that there is power in compassion.
I'm not anywhere near where I want to be with compassion, but at least I'm headed in the right direction.
I had the misfortune (or blessing if you look at it from a different angle) of being on the receiving end of some odd personal attacks lately that honestly blindsided me. First, it was over things that aren't even truly that personal though the accusers kept trying to make it that way, second, they were done in public settings, and third, it came from sources that I didn't even realize were watching, much less getting all worked up over my viewpoint and insisting that I change how I feel. Each incident was over the decision to be compassionate or not. One had to do with money and government, one had to do with a service dog in public school, and another had to with religious beliefs.
Interesting how it pours when it rains.
I chose to put an end to the arguments, because it clearly was not going anywhere positive. I will not change how they feel, and their attacks actually strengthened my own feelings... the exact opposite effect they were going for.
For me, compassion is powerful because it simplifies things. If I look at things keeping compassion in mind, I can't make the wrong decision. It prioritizes things in such a perfect way. Do I yell at Jace because he just broke another toy? (I'm using this example, because it's actually one I really struggle with.) When I'm looking at it with compassion, I can easily stay calm, and discipline him in an appropriate manner that would not embarrass me if Christ were in the room. Whether Jace gets it or not (because he doesn't, it's part of his disability) really doesn't matter. Whether or not he learns on "normal" or "typical" terms is irrelevant. I have to do my best for myself regardless, and in doing that, I teach by example, which is the ultimate teaching tool. That is all that is required of me. Jace will chose for himself.
For me, simple compassion is happiness. Why? Because it's peace. The very inner peace I crave like nothing else. Even more than chocolate. ;)
2 comments:
greater compassion leading to greater temperance... I like that.
WOW, I loved it- I am sorry for the confrontation you may have had with another- I respect you as a Mother to these 3 amazing little guys, I truly don't think many understand what you go through on a day to day basis and to have compassion is an amazing tool to deal with day in and day out of the floods that come in and seem to never stop flowing. Thanks for sharing and I hope the situation got better.
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