Source: The New International Webster's Standard Dictionary, Trident Reference Publishing, 2006 Edition:
kind adj. benevolent, compassionate, and humane in nature (page 160)
compassion n. concern for the troubles of another; pity; sympathy -compassionate adj.
-compassionately adv. (page 73)
sympathy n. an agreement of feeling; compassion for another's suffering; agreement or accord; support or approval (page 267)
I left a comment on Lance's blog Jungle of Life recently that I wanted to share with all of you. You can find Lance's "Sunday Thought For The Day" on December 27, 2009 at the following link: http://www.jungleoflife.com/ . Lance's blog articles are always so uplifting to me. He brightens my world which usually needs brightening around the holiday season.
Here is my edited comment:
". . . Compassion is such a great lesson and a great way to move forward as a world. Compassion, like all great teachings, begins with the individual. As one person changes so do all of those around him/her causing a ripple effect around the world one person at a time. . . . Compassion starts with the Self."
The same can be said for kindness and sympathy when you reach out to others. The biggest lesson that I had to learn was that I needed to be kind, compassionate, and sympathetic to myself before I could be that way to you. Those of you who have been abused in your childhood may have never experienced kindness, compassion or sympathy from others so you weren't shown how to exhibit those qualities to yourself or others.
I don't do New Year's Eve Resolutions. I have tried a few times and they just don't work for me. I used to beat myself up for failing at these goals. You see no one ever taught me about goals. Resolutions reminded me of all of the broken promises of growing up in an alcoholic and incestuous home. I knew by the age of 6 that promises would be broken. I never make promises for that reason. This is an area that I can be kind, compassionate, and sympathetic to that little girl who learned the lesson that promises get broken. I can show her that I understand her fears and disappointments from the past. I can also show her that I will do my best to not disappoint her again. I can acknowledge that her fears and disappointments are my fears and disappointments and that together we can overcome them. We can move forward.
I AM going to be more kind, compassionate and sympathetic to myself and others in 2010. Happy, Glorious 2010 to all.
Patricia
8 comments:
Patricia,
Your words are kind and touching - thank you.
Compassion...when we can offer that to ourselves first, it really does become easier as we go out into the world too. I have those moments where I struggle with compassion and love for myself...and it is in those moments that I also struggle to be compassionate in an outward fashion too. Patricia, know that I wish you the best in the new year, and that you continue to shine your brightness out from this place here - you provide hope to a hurting world...
Lance, your words always touch my heart. Thank you.
Patricia, those resolutions are mostly, hooey, as most of us know. What matters is this moment. As you said on my blog-- just being. What a state of grace to merely exist, to love ourselves deeper with every breath-I wish you those breaths always, they are there for the taking for all of us any time we wish to tap into our own healing powers.
Jannie, thanks for the visit and words of wisdom. Have a glorious 2010.
A good goal and one that I need to work on this coming year...tough work.
Clueless, most things that are really important are tough work. Praying for the most glorious 2010 for all of us.
As a recent discoverer of your blog, I find many of your posts to be uplifting and engaging. At this time, we are sending out a copy of a new self-help/inspirational book, Alphatudes: The Alphabet of Gratitude--26 Solutions for Life's Little Challenges, to bloggers for review. In this positive and inspiring book, Michele Wahlder reveals that gratitude is the unexpected, simple secret of living a joyful life. In a world filled with negativity bombarding us from all sides, we tend to forget the wonderful daily happenings all around us. Alphatudes uses our earliest grade school victory—the ABCs—to help readers achieve a sustainable shift in thinking that leads to contentment, optimism and peace of mind.
The link for Alphatudes: The Alphabet of Gratitude--26 Solutions for Life's Little Challenges on Amazon is: http://www.amazon.com/Alphatudes-Alphabet-Gratitude-Michele-Wahlder/dp/0982364504/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263505946&sr=8-1
An “alphatude” is defined as: a person, place or thing for which one alphabetically expresses gratitude. Michele Wahlder uses these "alphatudes" along with vibrant illustrations to provide a 26 step method for staying focused on what is good and right in life and in the world. Her book provides 26 life-affirming positive belief statements and 26 insightful lessons to connect readers to a higher truth. In honor of this extraordinary book, legendary recording artist Olivia Newton-John has graciously provided a free download of her beautiful song, “Grace and Gratitude”, with purchase.
I'd love to send you a copy of the book for you to review on your blog. The author is also available for an interview or guest post.
Thank you for considering the idea.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Rebecca
www.thecadencegroup.com
Rebecca, thank you. Leave another comment with your email address so we can talk about your suggestion. I won't publish the comment. I will then email you.
Post a Comment