What Color is Your Compassion?

Compassion...it's like a great rock, immovable in the midst of confusion, misery and anxiety. Without this compassion no new culture or society can come into being. Compassion is the essence of the wholeness of life. - J. Krishnamurti

Many of us know that the color of passion is red; envy is green and purity is white. So what color might compassion be? What color is your compassion? I think mine at times looks like an aurora. If we could visualize compassion, perhaps the colors might move, change and expand as we become aware of our feelings and begin to connect with those around us.

Something intrinsic and powerful happens when we do this. It is like activating something that has been dormant. It's similar to the power of electricity to produce light. There's an energy that is both positive and healing when you allow compassion to flow through you.

When I am compassionate toward someone, the feeling I experience is like when I see a rainbow. It's a gift and it's beautiful when you see it in the sky. You want to share that experience. "Look at the rainbow?" And something inside of you wants to go as far as you can to find the end. You know you won't find the pot of gold, but there's childlike excitement in the discovery. The pursuit brings you happiness.

As human beings, we need to show compassion. Has altruism become a lost art? Ironically, we want to do what is right. When we do the opposite, we feel guilt, remorse and regret. These negatives rob us from the quality of life that should be natural to us. I'm suggesting that we engage in a kinder way of living, that we tap into our compassionate nature that is already hard-wired, but intermittently dormant.

Wikipedia defines compassion this way: Compassion is a human emotion prompted by the pain of others. More vigorous than empathy, the feeling commonly gives rise to an active desire to alleviate another's suffering. In ethical terms, the various expressions down the ages of the so-called Golden Rule embody by implication the principle of compassion: Do to others what you would have them do to you.

When you see someone suffering emotionally or physically, put yourself in their shoes. How would you like to be treated, comforted and cared for in your distress? How would you want someone to look at you, talk to you and touch you if you were living with Alzheimer's disease, cancer, or any other impairment?

My guess is that you probably would want a loving look, comforting words and a gentle touch from a caring person. This kind of compassion might ease and possibly alleviate your fears, your loneliness and your despair. This kind of care is compassion in action. Compassion without action is simply a bell without a sound.

In his book, The Art of Happiness, the Dalai Llama pens these words, "The purpose of our lives needs to be positive for our lives to be of value. I think we must develop basic good human qualities of warmth, kindness and compassion. Then our life becomes meaningful and more peaceful and happier."

We are wired to be compassionate human beings. Compassion is deeply rooted in our brains. It is an evolved part of our human nature. Giving and receiving compassion is a powerful antidote to the depression and anxiety.

Yet it is sadly lacking as the beneficial medicine in our caregiving practices. Compassion is something that can be taught. But, first you have to desire it.

Being compassionate will transform your life! You will ultimately live a longer, healthier and happier life.

May you know compassion. May you be compassionate.

(Excerpt from my book available on Amazon Kindle)

https://amzn.com/B00DJV4EOU