Compassion is more than a nice idea – it’s a powerful way of living our lives for the benefit of others as well as ourselves. Compassion can be challenging, because it takes courage, commitment, and confidence to fully practice it in everyday life.
However, teaches Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, the reward is that with each compassionate act we become less afraid, more capable, and more energized to help others. When we bring a mindset of compassion into everything we do, then no goal is unreachable, he says:
“Genuine compassion is based on the recognition that others have the right to happiness just like yourself. One aspect of this kind of compassion is a sense of caring responsibility. When we develop that kind of motivation, our self-confidence increases automatically. This in turn reduces fear and that serves as a basis for determination. If you are really determined right from the start to accomplish the difficult task, then even if you fail the first time, second time, third time, it doesn’t matter. Your aim is very clear, so you will continue to make an effort.”
Like anything of value, real compassion requires persistence and determination. And when we give it enough time, we see the beautiful results that go hand in hand with caring, nurturing, and loving one another as we love ourselves.
