by Ann Nurse

Created on: July 18, 2008   Last Updated: July 30, 2011

Developing compassion as a way of life

Compassion should come as a natural response to another human being.  The reason is one would be hard pressed to find someone who did not think they deserved compassion on a personal level.    If life and living is not about making life better for our fellowman, we are not living-we are just existing in selfishness.  Developing compassion as a way of life means we are gaining a better sense of our own personal identity and responsibility to those around us.  Showing compassion is an obligation we all share.  We cannot expect to receive (compassion) if we are not willing to give it to others.

  Every human being has some  shortcomings.  It is not unrealistic to try an understand and be empathetic with the condition of another person.  We have to be realistic  and to show compassion in a responsible and meaningful way.  There is joy to be had in helping others to achieve happiness; there is joy in relieving the burden of another person.  There is joy in serving others.  It is true that it is "more blessed to give than to receive, as the Bible says.  Compassion is  a positive attribute; it is naturally  associated with the Law of Reciprocity. Developing compassion means that you practice, the Golden rule, because it involves being a moral person.   It is the other side of the coin of sowing goodwill and reaping goodwill in return.   It is absolutely a fact that you reap exactly what you sow.  There is a Christian rule, which says, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." It becomes second nature to think in terms of where you can help someone else have a better day, you will in turn help yourself to a better day and become a better person by caring. 

Some people may argue  this is not a proving fact.  Developing a attitude of goodwill  is a natural response to being compassionate.  You wish the best for others and you desire for yourself an d you conduct your life style to reflect this in your life.  Sowing and reaping is as real as breathing in and exhaling.  The human spirit is nourished when it is exposed to compassion.  Acting in love is a positive emotion which generates a healthier mind and we seek it because it makes us our metal state better.  Compassion then becomes a life style or a way of

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