by Marilyn Rodgers

Created on: December 24, 2006   Last Updated: April 30, 2007

"Compassion is the keen awareness of the interdependence of all things." -Thomas Merton*

On December 31, 2005 I had two friends over to quietly bring in the New Year with a little food, a toast, and great conversation. Out of the blue I made a statement that went something like "My mantra for 2006 is Passion for Compassion'." I placed signs in my office with the mantra on them and I attempted to live by the mantra. It's hard, damn hard. Every time something happens that flips a switch, one can only fight the temptation not to become angry with perpetrators and slum-lords.

Then, if you really take to heart, the quote that appears above by Thomas Merton, things slowly come into perspective. As I write this I have been interrupted with five calls regarding criminal activities in three different districts of the city. Although I am on a hard deadline, I have to act with compassion.

I can't say, "Not now, I'm busy." I have to train myself to take a few deep breaths and listen. And when I give them a chance to speak, I understand their need for someone to talk to, someone to take action on their part, because they are so afraid.

If we, as a society, can take the words "keen awareness of the interdependence of all things." to heart, we can make a stronger impact than any government grant or gift. For many years, we as a community, have acted on our most pressing needs schedules, lack of time, what Johnnie wants, the telephone, on and on and on. We have forgotten the simple act of listening to others and offering assistance. We have not yet realized the "interdependence of all things."

If so, our neighborhoods would all experience what a handful of successful neighborhoods are experiencing now a renaissance of good neighbors less crime better home values cleaner streets children who have the opportunity to interact with others and have learned what was once termed the social graces as a result of that interaction.

A lot of folks don't agree with Hillary Clinton's mantra of "It Takes a Village," but it is just common sense to me, especially in these hard times. Our social responsibility encompasses everyone. And, though there are times when I feel I want to shut off my phone and hibernate, I know that nine times out of ten, if I answer it, if I listen, if I take positive action to assist to remedy a wrong, I feel better for it. I feel better for it! My community is better off for it. And, whether or not it affects one person or many, the general feeling of the universe is

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