Having compassion for oneself and for others paves the way to live in a gentle and considerate manner.
We are all facing challenges and celebrating progress.
It takes different forms for different people.
Being patient with our needs helps us feel compassion for ourselves.
Being understanding about the needs of others leads us to be more generous in our thoughts and actions.
Being aware of those needs lets us separate our actions to act in an individual way.
It is good to donate to causes; it is also good to notice situations in our immediate life.
For example, as I was getting into our car in front of a store in one of the wealthy suburbs, I saw my husband walk across the parking lot to a homeless woman who was standing with her head down after pushing a heavily laden push-cart. I don’t know how much money he gave her. It is part of his private method of tithing.
Part of my method is listening for and sharing uplifting thoughts. It helps me stay positive and focused.
I read of a woman who, after hosting years of foreign exchange students, is anticipating helping a family from Congo, and later a Syrian family.
We all have opportunities to widen our fields of awareness and to practice compassion in ways that are appropriate to our time and place.
© 2015 Kathryn Hardage
www.InspiredPractices.com
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