Where is the Compassion?

Why is it that there seems to be a general lack of compassion lately?  Why is it that huge catastrophes happen and people (who aren’t involved) barely flinch?  It’s like we’ve come to a point where people can’t and don’t put themselves in anyone else’s shoes.  They are so focused on their own life and their own stuff – so much so that they can’t find compassion for another.

While I’m not saying you have to act and do something every time there is someone going through something in the world, I think we all need to stop for a moment and imagine the hardship others are experiencing and send them love.  Send them well-wishes.  And be thankful for where we are and what we have.  At a minimum.

Helping in Little Ways

I’m also not seeing this just in big events.  I’m seeing this in many day to day moments as well.  Today I was out with my dogs, and most of my neighbors know that one of my dogs has some fear anxiety on leash and they avoid us – give us space.  Which is awesome.

But the one dog that really sets my dog off and totally makes him out of control and crazy, well the owner couldn’t be less compassionate.  She literally walks towards us rather than giving us space. My dog is going ballistic, and she keeps on coming.  She looks right through me and keeps on walking.  Why?  Obviously, her dog is calm and under control, but can’t she have a moment of compassion for me trying to control my reactive dog and go the other way?

Make it your Problem

While many would say that it’s not their problem.  The fires, the shootings, my dog being out of control.  It’s not your problem – no.  But can you for just a moment make it your problem and find a little bit of compassion in your heart and find a way to help?  Can’t you see that this could be you someday, needing help, and no one cares?

Everything Happens for a Reason

I am also a big believer that things happen for a reason.  I think there is so much going on in the world right now to wake us up. Everyone is having some sort of exposure and experience with tragedy, loss, suffering, etc.  Whether it’s feeling it via watching it on TV, or having it actually happen to you – it’s in your face right now for a reason.  We need to care about one another and not just ourselves.  We need to get out of our little ego-driven materialistic world and reach out to others, care about the creatures of this planet, and care about our world.

We Need to Wake up

Maybe this is sounding a bit harsh, but I think you’d agree that things have gotten harsh in our world right now and it’s happening for a reason.  It’s time to wake up.  It’s time to care.  It’s time to reach out your hand and help in big and small ways.  It’s about love, not fear.  It’s about compassion, not apathy.  It’s about everyone, not just the self.

So today I ask you to think about everyone you see as you go through your day.  Consider what hardships they may be dealing with.  Consider how you can be compassionate.  Consider how you can be kind.  Consider how you can make this world a better place one encounter at a time.

You may also enjoy – 4 Ways to Anchor Yourself and The Lessons in Everything we do

A book related to the topic – Thirst: A Story of Redemption, Compassion and a Mission to Bring Clean Water to the World by Scott Harrison

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