Why should we have compassion?

When we learn how to have compassion for both others and ourselves, the world becomes a brighter place.

“ Everything I give to others is a gift to myself. As I give, I receive.”

We all want to wire our brains so that we can be the best versions of ourselves. We all want love and want to avoid pain. Sometimes when we are hurting, our pain can transform into something negative.

Having compassion is taking the time to understand a person behind their pain and projections.

We use so many different mechanisms to get what we want, be it:

• neuro-linguistic programming from positive affirmations, 
• altruistic motivations, 
• enforcing “the Secret”, 
• karma, 
• manifestation

It all amounts to the same basic principle – What you give out to the world, you will receive.

Do you ever notice when you’re in a great smiley mood, more people tend to smile back at you and offer kindness? That whole kill ‘em with kindness is a reality.

When you’re a good person, good things will happen to you. And if bad things happen to you, you tend to have more of an optimistic viewpoint on something. It’s all how we perceive the world.

Put Yourself In Someone Else’s Shoes

When I think of someone with compassion, my Mum comes to mind. I’ll never forget one November night when I walked into the living room where she sat bawling crying while watching the news.

Stunned, I asked her what was wrong. She replied that she was upset by what many refugees were going through. Heartbroken that she couldn’t do anything to help, my Mom asked that all of her five children donate money towards that charity for Christmas.

To me, having compassion is looking at somebody and understanding that we are the same. 

Any of us could have ended up in a worse circumstance. Any of us could be having a rough day. 

Replacing judgment with understanding and compassion for somebody can be life-changing.

Giving Second Chances

Recently, while watching Walk The Line, I only had admiration for Johnny Cash for going to Folsom Prison and playing live to the prison audience. 

I truly believe everybody makes mistakes. But I do also believe that everyone should be given another chance.

The next time you feel judgment for somebody, ask yourself – “Is there another way I could look at this person?”

Anyone can end up in a bad situation, including you. And if you were, wouldn’t you prefer a helping hand or smile instead of a grimace and nasty look.

Have Compassion For Yourself

As an empath, I like to credit myself for always trying to understand and accept others in all walks of life. Although, one thing I have always struggled with is self-compassion. 

I’ve always been OK with putting myself down and berating myself for not achieving or “doing good enough”.

One of the most monumental meditations I’ve ever had was a visualization. I was looking at myself, as myself. And as I looked at her (me), she was just crying, broken, and so sad. 

I leaned forward and embraced myself, and apologised for the mistreatment of myself. 

This made me realise how awful I’ve been to myself for years and how much I did not deserve it. 

Something that helps me with compassion is to think, “if you wouldn’t say that to somebody you care about, what makes it okay to say that to yourself?”

You Deserve It!

“Having compassion starts and ends with having compassion for all those unwanted parts of ourselves.” 

Have compassion for yourself. Whatever you’ve been through in life, the good and the bad. Learn to forgive yourself. Be proud that you’ve made it out the other end and you’re here. Right now. 

You are strong and you are incredible. 

Repeat to yourself: “I am strong. I am protected. I am safe.”

You deserve happiness, you deserve love, you deserve compassion and you deserve an incredible life!