When we think of compassion,
We often feel like compassion is weak.
Like,
We're giving up,
Dissolving boundaries and just bend to what the other person wants or what the situation demands.
Giving up so that the other person wins.
But actually,
Compassion is not weak.
It's the most powerful thing you can do.
Imagine how much strength and courage it takes to have a heart and mind as wide open as,
For example,
The Dalai Lama,
Who embodies the ultimate compassion,
Great compassion for all living beings.
To see all of their pain,
Their faults,
Confusion,
Their mistakes,
Their suffering,
And still have this joyful,
Loving,
Compassionate attitude for everyone.
I mean how much courage and strength it takes to have compassion for everyone,
No matter what and at all times.
So I would say this is powerful,
Strong and fierce and it's not weak and it's for sure not giving up.
And yes,
We are not the Dalai Lama.
But we can take this to our own life.
Think about how much courage does it take to have compassion for someone who's hurt you,
And maybe caused you pain,
Or even compassion for yourself.
Maybe for a younger version of you.
And when you think of her,
You get angry because she messed it up and you have to face the consequences of her choices.
But then compassion kicks in and even though you feel hurt,
You understand she was doing her best.
And so to be here,
To stand here in your own vulnerability and pain and still,
Have understanding for the other person,
See their pain too,
Their suffering,
See that you actually have something in common.
I know it can be the hardest thing to do,
To feel your pain,
Your vulnerability,
And still see the other person,
The one who hurt you,
And see their pain too.
It doesn't mean you accept their action or behavior,
For sure.
It's just about that recognition.
They too suffer and want to be happy,
And this is what we have in common.
So maybe we could even think and wish them,
May they be happy,
Just like me.
This is not weak.
It's brave,
Courageous,
And even powerful.
It's a really powerful shift not to fall into blame or anger,
But to focus on compassion.
