Compassion,

There are several types of compassion, mainly referring to who, or what it is directed to. It can be Compassion for a loved one, a friend, or neighbor. As it is fairly easy to care for someone you know.

Then there is compassion for strangers, which requires a certain degree of faith, both in yourself, and your fellow man. Also there is compassion for one's environment, and for some, the entire world!

Compassion encompasses faith, understanding, and love; with forgiveness being the end result. In today's stressed-out, intolerant society, compassion is getting more, and more difficult to come by. Much of the population carries with them great insecurities, and is out to prove something to themselves, and others. So usually, when a person feels that another has wronged them, the first instinct is to strike back, judge, and, or get an eye for an eye. This attitude is a product of man's negative side. When one feels pain as a result of the words, or actions of another, it is difficult to look at the situation truthfully. This is usually the result of poor understanding of perception, and\or emotions.

In other words, feelings of, I am a bad person, I deserve this , or They won't get away with this , are triggered. Either way, this approach is negative, and unrealistic.

It takes great courage, when one has been wronged, to look at the situation honestly, and understand what really happened. This requires trust in oneself, and the strength to not give in to unfounded emotions such as fear, anger, and contempt. Once the question of why did this happen? And how can I prevent this from happening again? Has been answered without ego, and illusion. The path to forgiveness, and healing can be walked. When true compassion, understanding, and forgiveness become a way of life, that person is transformed into a new loving, confidant, and fulfilled human being who does not easily surrender to fear.

There is one more kind of compassion that societies lack today; SELF COMPASSION! For it is important to understand, and forgive the shortsightedness of another, it is equally important to understand, and forgive yourself! Many people are very generous when dealing with others, but give very little compassion when dealing with them selves. It is important to keep in mind that you, and your point of views are just as important as the person standing next to you, as we all have something wonderful to offer humanity! We all are loved equally, and unconditionally in God's eyes! So be good to yourself, as we are all children of light, love, and COMPASSION!

Learn more about this author, Steven La Force.
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