I believe we, Human Beings, are
all innately compassionate. I am therefore disturbed by the different responses
we have to a world in crisis. For example in this time of economic depression
after the Wall Street Crash of 2008 the responses of some people are to close
ranks and only look after their own immediate families, while others share the
little they have with those around them (family, friends, neighbours) in need,
others seize an opportunity to plunder those who are reeling from the loss of
income / business etc. These responses
happen at all levels, globally all the way down to the most local grassroots
level.
I realise our differences will
mean that we respond differently to any situation however our motivation should
be the same – after all our Essence is the same. The real reason for my
discomfort is that I find it very difficult to grasp why the response of Human
Beings to others is not naturally one of compassion. When did caring for ones neighbour become an
heroic / saintly act? Thankfully there
are many heroes and saints still caring and showing compassion on a daily basis
in our communities. Sadly though there
are much more people in need of love, care and compassion than they can
reach. We need more people to care and
to be compassionate to others.
There is a wonderful painted quote
on the Mustadaffin Foundation building in Belgravia, Cape Town – it reads “if
every man helps his neighbour then who would need help”.
Today let us think about what it
means to care and be compassionate? What does compassion mean to you? How do
you know when someone cares about you, what are the actions they perform that
says ‘I care’? What are the words that tell you they care ? What do they not do
to show you that they care? What are the
actions that show compassion? Let’s start to translate these answers into our
way of being with others – if you are not doing it already.
It really is as simple as each
one caring for our neighbour to create the happy world we all wish to live in.
CHOOSE.
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