Imagine this world without personalities like Nelson Mandela, Dalai Lama, Ratan Tata, Sudha Murthy, and many others. These people have sown the seed of compassion, love, kindness, support in the masses, and these qualities are further extended by genuine NGOs which are helping millions of people to survive.
But the bombard infusion of technology in almost all areas of life has taken control of human beings and their human emotions. That is why there is a dire need to revive the basic human qualities we are blessed with. I am talking about compassion which is the nectar of life. Compassion is the quality to feel for others and also share happiness, kindness, and love with others. It’s not only about being aware of others’ struggles, dilemmas, and problems, it is also about extending a hand of help to others whenever possible. People who do charity, donate regularly, help poor and needy people often are the ones who spread the vibes of compassion. But all are not blessed with material abundance, for them, compassion can be practiced at thought level also.
Through this article, an attempt is made to rekindle the dormant element of compassion in human beings. Let us delve deeper and understand how compassion can help individuals at the micro and macro level.
1. It brings a sense of inclusiveness in both parties.
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion- Dalai lama
This quote by his holiness Dalai Lama is so beautiful and deep. Happiness is the ultimate goal for which we all are struggling so hard and by practicing compassion on daily basis, we can be happy ourselves and we can make others happy. Compassion, when practiced daily can increase the individual’s level of happiness. It can be done at the micro-level, say by helping your housemaid in her financial tensions relieves her from stress and also gives satisfaction to you. This way both the receiver and giver are sharing a message of inclusiveness.
2. It helps us in embracing all the humans without any inequality and judgments
Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their sufferings. Some suffer too much and others too little- Budha
Being compassionate is not always about giving others some material or financial help or directly supporting others in any way. It is also about maintaining the thoughts of love and kindness for all human beings. We all face different struggles just because a person is abundant in all the means, doesn’t mean that his life is absent of any suffering. Being compassionate is thinking and wishing for the higher good of all human beings irrespective of their worldly status.
3. It makes everyone believe in the goodness of human hearts
All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being not just with my hands but with my heart- Taherah Mafi
We as humans have the intense need of contributing to the welfare of society at large. We all do activities for our survival and sustenance but the kind of happiness we get when we help others is more subtle and unique. Serving others just for the sake of it doesn’t satisfy the core and the feeling fades quickly. When your compassion and kindness reach the heart of others, it’s then you get to know the true feeling of happiness and ecstasy. When you realize that your single act of kindness might change the whole life of others, it’s then you realize the true importance of compassion
4. It makes everyone feel blessed and capable
True compassion means not only feeling another’s pain but also being moved to help relieve it- Daniel Goleman
A simple example that can be taken here is what will you do if a dog is trapped in the bush of thorns. Some would just pass by ignoring what the dog is facing and some would go and help the dog to come out of it. So whenever possible just try to show compassion in your actions, not only to human beings but to all living beings. It makes us more grateful that we could help others in the need and we are blessed to have the capacity and capability to do so. So, this quality can restore the faith in humanity and lead our coming generations on a happy and evolved path.
5. It makes us peaceful and relieves the mind from many negative emotions
One of the secrets of inner peace is the practice of compassion – Dalai Lama
We, individuals, tend to store and preserve many hurtful moments in a corner of our hearts. We very well know that these memories aren’t going to benefit anyone but we don’t want to forget things so easily. There comes the role of self-compassion. If you show kindness to yourself and forgive others for their mistakes, you are not just doing a favor to yourself you are helping another person to clear out the negativity which was created earlier. Self- compassion makes your inner self free from grudges and thus at peace.
6. It makes us feel more connected to others.
Our compassion and act of selflessness take us to deeper truths- Mata Amritanandmayi
The ultimate truth of life is death but before dying we have many years to live, love, and spread kindness. We all have the same essence in us and we are dependent on others for so many needs. Just like we all need air to breathe, we, humans also need compassion to survive. It’s not always about money and fulfilling all the material desires that gives you sustainable happiness. It’s one simple act of kindness sprinkled with the warmth of compassion which does wonder in all the lives.
So, make sure whenever you pass by any beggar, underprivileged, homeless, or meet or listen to anyone’s problems or dilemmas, do give them the compassionate energies via your thoughts. You can simply say an affirmation that blesses all the human beings with food, health, home, and also the strength to deal with all the difficult situations. Also, whenever possible do help the underprivileged humans in all your capacity.
Share the words with your loved ones to bring positivity around you.
With Love
Contributed by : MONICA
A Ph.D. student, strong believer of compassion, kindness, love, and of all those qualities through which this world can be made a better place. Also, I am a big admirer of soulful Sufi music, nature and its beautiful unaltered creations, and my tranquil solitude.
Tech_Tonic
Zen
Beautifully explained.. need of the hour