The world is hurting right now, as a result from the Coronavirus pandemic and the many deaths, life changes, and job losses that has occurred as a result.  The State of the economy as well as the constant killings are enough to put a strain on your mental sanity.  If we had compassion, some of us might start to experience compassion fatigue; tired of having to constantly fight to stay alive and live based on what is going on around us or within our own lives.  Through it all, we have to find a way to be compassionate.  If you naturally have a good heart, it is easy to have compassion, but even with a good heart, when we see repetitive mistreatment, or poor decision making, we can begin to develop compassion fatigue. When you develop compassion fatigue, it is best to remember that we are all human beings, who should have compassion for one another.  Having compassion involves being able to empathize with others.  We don’t have to always agree with others, but we should at least try to understand their point of view, especially if it is justifiable.   

 

If you do not know how to have compassion for others, I have included some ways to be compassionate below.

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1. First, you have to have self-compassion, you have to know that you are imperfect and forgive yourself for your mistakes; learning what to do better the next time. 

2. Heal from your own past or present traumas.  Often times, if we don’t heal ourselves, it is hard for us to develop compassion for others. 

3. Learn to listen for understanding and not to judge, defend, or react. 

4. Put yourself in the other persons’ shoes and try to understand things from their perspective and empathize with them.   

5. Ask questions, when you see that someone’s mood and/or behavior has changed towards you.  Don’t ask what’s wrong.  Ask, what happened? 

6. Get to know the person or people on a personal level, so that you don’t make false assumptions on who you think they are. 

7. Motivate them with acts of kindness to be and do better and inspire them with encouraging words. 

 

What the world needs is more love and compassion.

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By Lynnette Clement