Recently I have been exposed to the term Compassion. This has been in relation to how I live my life in general. Initially the word meant to me....to have understanding, to show and express appreciation. It's kind of funny that the term keeps being exposed to me by different people and communication methods such as emails and workshops. Hmmmmmmm I think the universe may be trying to grab my undivided attention!
So according to sources the term can mean:
'a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering'
'cornerstone of greater social interconnection and humanism — foundational to the highest principles in philosophy, society, and personhood'
Wouldn't it be just dandy if every human being could live with compassion!
Recently on a weekend away with families who have children with different and special needs it occured to me that all these people have compassion...so why can't everyone? Is it because we have been the ones who have been blessed with a child who requires our undivided attention, love and support? I tell you...to see SO much unconditional love in one room was AMAZING.
We spoke about feeling isoltaed and segregated from our community and that other people just have no understanding of our childs ability. They may just see a wheelchair, nasogastric tube, oxygen tank, supportive footwear etc etc and assume that they are SO MUCH MORE DIFFERENT to anyone else.
Arghhhhh! I feel like screaming at times.
Normal? What's normal? Your normal or mine?
If only we could all live with compassion...what a wonderful world it would be!
Just a thought!
