Isn’t it wonderful as the holidays are approaching, as if by magic, people seem to show a little more compassion? During the holidays the compassion often amps up. But then when the holidays are over, little by little the compassion gets less and less. Why is that?
I believe it starts with just simply “considering” the feelings and needs of others. Of course during the holidays, we are thinking about others more – maybe it’s just thinking about what gift to buy them. Or making arrangements for getting together. But whatever the reason, they are “at the forefront of our minds”. Then you add a little bit of family, close friends, and a little bit of love, and the compassion just flows easily.
Sadly, other times we are so caught up in the busyness of life, compassion seems to be overlooked.
What if we made a “conscious” effort to consider the feelings and needs of others at other times during the year as well, the same way we do over the holidays? I think it’s easy – if we just:
STOP
BREATHE
BE
SEE
Stop for a brief second and take a breath. Be really present for a moment. Give that person your undivided attention. Really “see” the people around you, or the person you are with, or who you are talking to on the phone. Only then will you have a chance to notice more often if someone needs your compassion. A helping hand, a smile, a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, an understanding heart.
As we bustle by during our busy day, we often don’t see opportunities to offer compassion to someone.
Rather than being quick to judge, or jumping in with our opinion – just BE there. Give someone your undivided attention in that moment. If we all did this more often, imagine what a more wonderful World this would be.
So remember…STOP – BREATHE – BE and SEE. You will feel so much better for it, and so will the other person. It’s a free gift you can give – and it can change their life!
With Compassion!
Julie
