Our uniqueness, our individuality, and our life experience molds us into fascinating beings. I hope we can embrace that. I pray we may all challenge ourselves to delve into the deepest resources of our hearts to cultivate an atmosphere of understanding, acceptance, tolerance, and compassion. We are all in this life together. Linda Thompson
We live in a world – a very different world – A world where children and people in general are rambling around with so many darn “problems”, you would think that we would all realise the absolutely dire need for more compassion, respect, and general acceptance in society - but sadly this does not seem to be the case. Sometimes, people truly can be so very unkind to others, often not even considering the consequences and damage that their glibly delivered words may have on the recipient.
With regards to adults, there is not much you can do to “change” somebody who is obviously uninterested or consciously callous. I think the only hope in that regard would be if that particular individual was suddenly placed on the receiving end of such cruelty, to a point that it made them open their eyes and question their own actions – but even that pushing it in many cases.
The younger youth on the other hand are still learning, budding and steering their way around what is or isn’t socially suitable, what is basically right and what is wrong, so there is PLENTY of opportunity for parents, friends, family members, teachers and other adult individuals to have a positive influence on the lives of all our “little people”. My opinion is that some people are naturally more compassionate than others, but this does not mean that it is a characteristic that cannot be cultivated.
At my son's school each class (from what I have gathered) has at least one or two special needs kids in it which is brilliant as my sons entry level understanding with school and mainstream society is one where acceptance and understanding of others, irrespective of differences - is actively encouraged and commended. Although, I am not only strictly referring to compassion towards people with special needs, I do believe this is an incredible starting point for developing it as a natural disposition. Being taught to understand and befriend children with special needs is a remarkable way to get them to understand just how very diverse everyone is, but that nobody is any better than the next person.
If you ask me - we are ALL special needs in one way or another… Yes, we ALL have special needs… an individual and completely unique personality which is comprised of its own particular “requirements”. Compassion, Acceptance and Respect are three attributes which go hand in hand and all play key roles in developing the groundwork of character. And yes, this should be actively practiced and encouraged at school too, but the reality is that it all starts at home and what you are teaching your kids.
No, this is not a one dimensional subject. It is apparent in all facets of life and needs to be taught to kids in all these areas too. It stems from the superficial stuff like possessions, right through to the deeper emotional side of things. If I were to highlight one aspect that I would say should be focused on first and foremost, as I believe that if this was exercised a little more in today’s society it would in itself make a huge difference already – and that is, the fact that materialistic possessions are NOT how you determine whether a person is worthy of your respect or not.
Where there is no human connection, there is no compassion. Without compassion, then community, commitment, loving-kindness, human understanding, and peace all shrivel. Individuals become isolated, the isolated turn cruel, and the tragic hovers in the forms of domestic and civil violence. Art and literature are antidotes to that. Susan Vreeland
There are way too many kids (and adults) who classify others based on worldly possession and/wealth and it is so profoundly wrong! It really is just SO ridiculously SHALLOW and is categorically NOT the perspective that we should be allowing to develop in youngsters. Yes, in a materialistically driven world, this is no easy feat – but we CAN make an effort to balance it within their own sphere of existence – and so we should.
In addition to this, our children should be taught compassion, acceptance and respect in ALL other areas of their lives. When someone is feeling down, you lift them up – you don’t kick them down further or stand on the hands that hold their last remaining grip! When someone has less than you, you share – you don’t mock or demean. When everybody else is scornful or mocking, you don’t join in - you do whatever you can to end it! Different is not wrong. Our uniqueness as individuals is something to be celebrated! We are ALL equal and have our place and purpose in life. I could go on forever, but in all honesty – the list would be endless as there is always some way shape or form that you can offer another person compassion, acceptance, respect and most importantly… LOVE!
“A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” ― Albert Einstein
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Until next time...
Much Love from Cape Town, South Africa xxx
Jaynielea
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Thank you :)
A beautiful post, Jaynie. We need more people like you in the world
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aaah what a beautiful thing to say and what a way to start my Friday morning - Thank you @felt.buzz xxx I hope you have a super weekend!
Well said! And I agree that that foundation of acceptance, tolerance, compassion and love makes for a better world and best instilled in the youth who are our future!
Beautiful quotations - thanks for sharing!
Indeed @porters and thank you for the lovely input xxx
I think the most important lessons I learned in school were about compassion...
As an 8th grader, I was in a math class with a guy who was a Senior - needed the class to graduate. I would often help him understand the best I could. Because it was important to him.
When I was a sophomore or junior, I knew a guy who was super, super happy to get a C+ ... a grade that would have devastated me! But, I was able to be genuinely pleased for him - because I knew it was awesome work for him.
Yes, it takes all kinds and we all need to be mindful of this.
I agree so completely. Compassion is part of a small but critical constellation of things that can make the difference between positive, healthy relationships and hostile ones. The others are love, respect and understanding. On a macro scale these things — or lack thereof — are the cause of divisive politics, hostility between nations, and war.
Oh so, SO true!!!! It would be grand if more people opened their eyes to that fact though.
Oh, yes!!
I completely agree with you in this perspective and if we understand that differences are required for creating balance in any system, the world would be a better place. We all have different capacities and skills to develop that will contribute to our societies and for our own growth, we all have some special gift too. I can't think in a better example of what I'm trying to say than our dear Stephen Hawking. Some times are authorities who decide what's normal and needs correction, but it's just to perpetuate themselves...
We need responsibility with our children in the matter of compassion, these seed surely be strong when they have to decide for their own!!
Great post, Jaynielea!! I'm glad to meet you and your great community!!
A big hug and the best vibes for your days!!
SO TRUE!!!!
It is always wonderful when someone is on the "same page" as you are, so thank you for the great feedback @leveuf! Much appreciated!
We are thrilled to have you in our PHC community! I hope you too are enjoying it!
Thanks for stopping by :)
Thank you very much!! :)
It's a pleasure to be there! You've been very comprehensive, sometimes I have to deal with a lot of work on this side. But meanwhile, I think the newbie channel is full of good interaction with the members, and of course great creatives and posts to learn about quality (your excellent blog, for example). For sure I'll be taking time in steem to visit you often!!
A big hug and Best Regards, @Jaynie!