Compassion

It is said that compassion is a virtue.  One in which the emotional capacities of empathy and sympathy, for the suffering of others, are regarded as a part of love itself.  Perhaps a cornerstone of greater social interconnection and humanism, foundational to the highest principles in philosophy, society, and personhood.

If you listen to sounds bites of politicians, some news reporters you get a feel that compassion is a crime or at least in some cases the word compassion has been substituted for the word entitlement.  Many make out having compassion for others, regardless of circumstances is “too much” charity and that “those people” are engaging in acts of entitlement.  One person running for office is quoted in Time by saying “Don’t blame Wall Street .  Don’t blame big banks.  If you don’t have a job and you’re not rich, blame yourself.”  Somewhere along the road, in the last several years, we have lost our virtue of compassion, perhaps not only for others but for ourselves as well. 

The Dalai Lama says “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.  If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”  This does not mean that we all have to be equal in terms of monetary worth.  There is something to be said for caring for the needs of others and understanding that maybe, just maybe you are a bit uncomfortable know that there may never be “peace” for yourself until there is peace others too.  If you know that there is someone or a group of people that you could help, you have a choice, to help or not to help.  It may not be about throwing money at people.  It may be they need training, a mentor, guidance, a hand up (not a hand out), or simply shirt or a coat. 

Is giving up what you would spend on a $4 coffee, a $15-$20 lunch asking too much?  Is giving up an hour or two a week to mentor someone too much to ask, in the scope of the number of hours you will live in your life, is 104 hours a year asking that much?  Is making some phone calls and encouraging others  through personal invitation something you could do.  Would do.  Will do?

In my 44 years of life, I have met a lot of people.  I have not met one person who lived a life that didn’t include something that they wish they had done better in the course of their life, maybe a redo moment in time.  We are the sum of our choices and the paths that we walk.  You have the ability to make decisions that will affect yourself and others immediately.  Will you choose to make those decisions based just on your needs and wants or will you consider the impact of others and that you can be the change that you seek in yourself and in this world.  One person.  One day.  One journey.  One act of kindness.  And sharing compassion.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals