The way of compassion
/““We have a choice. We can embrace our humanness, which means embracing our broken natures and the compassion that remains our best hope for healing. Or we can deny our brokenness, forswear compassion, and, as a result, deny our own humanity””
To recognize the humanity in others we must also recognize the humanity in ourselves. Both our brokenness and capacity for growth. Often, each of us is stuck on one side of that binary – either coming to believe we are better than or less than others. What if that were not true? What if we took a more balanced approach with those around us, and with our very selves. What if we saw the full scope of our humanity for what it is.
The reality is, COVID-19 has affected every single human on this Earth. The reality also exists that each of us has been affected in different ways. Maybe it has been isolation and loneliness. Maybe it has been grieving from afar a loved one who has been infected or is at risk. Maybe it has been losing your job. Maybe it has been juggling parenthood, teaching, and trying to maintain sanity. Maybe it is strain with relationships in the face of changing dynamics. Maybe it is something else entirely.
We all have experienced suffering. And would it be too bold to say this has been a year of immense suffering? From the Coronavirus to racial injustices to political divisiveness, we can be prone to feel like we are running on empty. Rather than suffering alone, what if we practiced compassion? To be living out the definition ofcompassion means “to suffer with” and, in application, is inherently relational. Common humanity would say we are more alike than we are different.
Bryan Stevenson, quoted above, is a lawyer and a social justice advocate. He fights for those who many might consider the “least of these”, prisoners on death row. He fights for their voices to be heard and he listens to their whole story. These prisoners experience dignity simply by being heard.
Are you a good listener? Do you listen to your own needs and to the needs of others?
What might you need to give yourself permission to feel, say, or do?
When we are able to be kind to ourselves, we are able to strengthen our compassion for others.
Tips for Self-Compassion:
1. Bring awareness to your negative thoughts and feelings. Acknowledge them without being overcome by them.
2. Remind yourself of your humanity: “I am not alone in this.”
3. Forgive yourself for your mistakes and do not let them define you.
4. Spend time doing things you truly enjoy.
5. Strive to find common ground with others.
