Compassion Cures

 

The stresses in our lives seem only to increase each day, both locally and globally: so much to worry about, so much negativity around us, so much disconnect with each other, so much hate, all reinforcing each other like sets of building waves. How is it possible not to drown in the onslaught of such overwhelming challenges? And through what miracle would we be capable of not surviving in this hostile environment but actually thriving?

One of the humblest and wisest who lived among us, one who faced such seemingly insurmountable challenges but did exactly that – survived, and in the process, helped others survive and prosper - suggested this answer: “Our planet needs love and compassion.”  Mother Teresa lived a life of service, offering compassionate care for others.  In the process, she taught us that compassion for ourselves, and others, is the key to reversing the “world pain” that is part of our lives and turning it into something beautifully life-affirming. Beyond just proving the inspirational example of her own life, however, she imparted very specific advice, that, especially now, is worth remembering and sharing:

  1. Be kind.  Mother Teresa said, “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”  Instead of primarily focusing on the negative in your life, think of how you can be kind, with the widest possible set of recipients for that kindness: yourself, friends and relatives, strangers, animals, the earth.  The waves of happiness that suddenly surface in others and ourselves when we offer a compliment, make a donation, stroke a pet, or plant a seedling, all ripple outward, cancelling the effect of all that negativity heading onshore.

  2. Be of service. Find a way to volunteer or help a neighbor.  So many people are desperately searching for a lifeline, many time silently hurting but in need of emergency assistance; seek out how you can support your community.  Mother Teresa said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, feed just one.”  Service activities to others in need, no matter how modest that service, can bring you out of your own depressive state.  My son was feeding homeless people with his youth group at a park one day and a gentleman he served, wanting to be able to reciprocate in some small way, gave him an index card. On it was written a simple blessing. The service kindness was returned tenfold.

  3. Pray. According to Mother Teresa, “I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us, and we change things.”  Quiet reflective time is essential so that you can count your blessings for all is that is wonderful in your life. Use this prayer time to also ask for help and to keep your heart full of love.  Prayer can be uplifting and an essential ingredient for getting through a tough time.  When we attempt to feel peaceful or content, we can energize our soul and have courage to follow our heart.  This is how we create change and do great things.

  4. Smile. This quote from Mother Teresa is one of my favorites: “Peace begins with a smile.”  Peace on Earth is a common wish that we hear at this time of year, read on holiday cards, and even robotically repeat in song. One way of giving it meaning and starting to actualize it, is to begin at the smallest possible level – with a smile. Let’s start smiling at each other even when - maybe especially when - life is difficult.  This holiday season, many of us have seen the movie Wicked and been touched by it. One of the most powerful moments occurs during the dance scene, when Glenda and Elphaba, having established their mutual hate, suddenly find a reason to smile   at each other.  Given our current state of affairs, more smile and less bile would go a long way toward making the Earth a much more fertile ground for Peace to take root.

    Compassion cures. Love counters the effect of the endless cycle of waves of negative emotion and news.  However, the common thread running through all of this advice is that a focus inward on changing our own self-view must be accompanied by a renewed focus on changing our outer worlds for the better.  To end with the final but perhaps most important words of guidance from Mother Teresa, “Prayer in action is love, love in action is service.”