exercise compassion

A good sisterfriend of mine shared her heart with me as we drove home from a Thai restaurant. Her words that night encouraged me and I could not resist sharing her insight. She is one of the most alive women I know! She lives to serve and care for the oppressed and marginalized individuals of our society. She is going to serve homeless children and youth this summer, she is relentless in her pursuit to bring care to others. Compassion and empathy are two characteristics that describe this sisterfriend. The way she encourages her friends, family, classmates, colleagues, and strangers is admirable.

Our conversation in the car that night closely mirrored what was written in the previous post: being a detective for dignity. She diligently and intentionally exercises her compassion “muscles” as it relates to people in her life that are often difficult to love. She introduced me to a “Compassion Exercise” by Avatar: The Compassion Project.

The objective of this exercise is to: Increase the amount of compassion in the world.
The exercise can be completed on old enemies, with family members, or loved ones.
Step One: With attention on one person, repeat to yourself:
"Just like me, this person is seeking some happiness for his/her life”
Step Two: With attention on one person, repeat to yourself:

“Just like me, this person is trying to avoid suffering in his/her life"
Step Three: With attention on one person, repeat to yourself:

“Just like me, this person has known sadness, loneliness and despair”
Step Four: With attention on one person, repeat to yourself:

“Just like me, this person is seeking to fulfill his/her needs”

Step Five: With attention on one person, repeat to yourself:

“Just like me, this person is learning about life”.

She has found that honestly with one’s self leads to compassion for others. Her heart beats a little faster for justice and equality in this world. Compassion, mercy and empathy run deeply within her soul because she has found that “just like her, other people are also learning about life” ((that is Amanda’s favorite step to repeat to herself!)).

This is Amanda. She has courage to feel her compassionate heart.