Compassion

Compassion: "a feeling of distress and pity for the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it."
               Collins-English Dictionary HarperCollins  Publisher 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003

The recent violence in Tuscon, Arizona and Omaha, Nebraska and certainly world wide  has brought about increasing conversation.  Many people wonder what can drive an individual to such lengths.  I heard an interesting conversation on the radio yesterday discussing just this topic. Karen Armstrong, the author of  "Twelve Steps To A Compassionate Life" was interviewed and discussed her exploration of compassion through the ages.  She raises some interesting points in her conversation with Neil Conan and I have attached a link to that conversation on this blog.

http://www.npr.org/2011/01/10/132809627/concrete-ways-to-live-a-compassionate-life
  
     While listening to the radio, I contemplated my own challenges with compassion.  In Yoga classes, I teach others how to let go of the constant chatter in their minds, to focus on the present moment, and to bring a sense of peace to their practice.  However, I must admit that when I am not on the mat I also have moments of that constant chatter running through my mind.  Many of the thoughts are repetitious and seem to center around the general  themes of  fear, doubt, judgment, and defensiveness.  I believe that prior to finding compassion for others, it is necessary to find compassion for ourselves.  Through self examination and honest interpretation of our defensive nature, we may uncover feelings of uncertainty and judgment toward our own being.  Identifying these feelings, understanding that they motivate us at times, and learning how to recognize when we are being influenced by our own insecurities will allow us the opportunity to forgive our own inadequacies.  It is necessary for us to recognize our own suffering and find ways to relieve it.  Only then, I believe, are we able to give ourselves completely to others to help relieve their suffering.

     As we contemplate our struggles as a society, I propose that we each take some time to get to know ourselves a little bit better.  Taking a few moments out of each day to be present physically, emotionally, spiritually and to reflect on our own well-being.  By nurturing our spirits through an enjoyable book, a hot bath, a walk, quiet meditation, or even hugging a family member or friend out of the blue we may begin to feel nourished and relieved.  As we fill our own emotional reservoir and find a sense of peace or balance individually, maybe then we can recognize the pain and suffering of others and have the courage to intervene and offer meaningful assistance.

Gina