Today is United Nations World Day of Social Justice, and over one thousand bloggers worldwide will join their voices to speak through their blogs about compassion. I am one of them. Let's flood the blogosphere with compassion, kindness, non-judgement and good! Please use hashtag #1000Speak to help spread the word.
My Three Stories of Compassion
The kittens and their mother were barely surviving after being left to fend for themselves on a tiny piece of cold concrete used for a "U-turn" sign on a busy highway. The dedicated rescuer cautiously approached them despite the speeding cars rushing by. She scooped them up into her loving arms, and brought them to the local shelter where eventually they were adopted.
Compassion.
The young boy was taunted relentlessly at school. The crowd of bullies never understood that what is seen with the eye is never the sum total of who a person is. Running wildly to escape the anger of the gathering mob, he could not depend on his nearsightedness to avoid the stop sign he collided with. The crowd gasped in horror, and a brave girl stepped forward to help him to his feet and walk him home. Her understanding heart taught him that not everyone is ignorant.
Compassion.
The young nurse was witness to heartbreaking stories of patients being turned away because they were unable to pay for the care they needed. She saw the look of desperation in their eyes and when it became too much she silently said to herself that enough was enough. She opened a new center, one where patients could seek treatment from qualified doctors, nurses and therapists despite their ability to pay. She changed the climate of care centers where every patient matters, and each one is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Compassion.
These true stories are about people I respect and admire who not only possess compassion but use it to make a difference in the world.
In a world where violence and intolerance are on the rise, where bigotry, partisanship and anger are front page news, we need compassion now more than ever.
Compassion is defined as "sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others" but it's so much more. It's putting yourself in someone else's shoes before passing judgement. It's putting someone else's needs ahead of your own. It's taking action to make someone else's life easier, safer or better.
I believe the world would be a better place if we all realized how interconnected we all really are. In a recent issue of Philosophy Now, Professor Michael Allen Fox wrote:
"Compassion hinges on the realization that we’re all in the same boat. We all share a common existential situation to the extent that humans (and nonhumans) are vulnerable and, at a very basic level, quest after security and an environment in which to flourish biologically and to pursue some form of fulfillment. We are therefore as much in need of compassionate treatment from others as they are from us."
It's time to join the movement!! One where kindness is the only answer. Being non-judgmental is the only behavior. And compassion is the rule.
NOTE: Many thanks to the compassionate bloggers Yvonne Spence and Lizzi Rogers who gave birth to #1000Speak. It is their vision to turn the blogosphere on its ear by jamming social media with GOOD.
Hi Cathy,
I've joining you from 1000 Voices Speak. You covered some great ground in your post and I love the quotes.
By the way, I have an auto-immune disease not unlike MS but is quite rare: dermatomyositis. Hope you are traveling well and I'm looking forward to trying to get through as many of the 1000 posts as I can.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Even one person can make the difference is my take away from your post....
Thanks you for sharing
Interesting read! 🙂
A single heart is all it takes to make a world of a difference I guess..
Thank you for sharing 🙂
Be kind, everyone carries a bag of rocks. Thx for sharing these great compassion stories.
Terrific post Cathy! I'm so glad you are a part of this awesome movement!
Compassion is the only way. We need to make it a global priority and teach it to our children in school at a young age. Namaste.
Those are three beautiful examples of how compassion can create a better world. Small acts of kindness go a long way, as you have illustrated. I hope all our voices will be heard today and we need to continue the conversation. Wonderful post, Cathy.
These examples are so touching and are the types of things that happen every day. Sometimes we forget to notice these important acts. We all need kindness and compassion, and we all need to remember to do kindness and compassion too. Thanks, Cathy for a great post!
Hi Cathy! Excellent thoughts on compassion and how much it is a part of a happy and healthy life--and certainly should be for all of us. I can't even imagine a world without it. I'm happy to join you in spreading compassion around the world #1000Speak! ~Kathy
[…] #1000Speaks: My True Stories Of Compassion And How 1,000 Bloggers Will Change The World […]
I did not know today is also the UN day of social justice. How approbate that the ripple of compassion is being spread today. Thank you for being a part of making the world a better place.
Compassion is one of the most important traits we humans should (must!) possess. Thank you for encouraging and promoting it.
You said it. We judge. I'm never sure whether it's too feel good about ourselves or feel superior. When I was in my late teens to early 30's I was secretly a judgmental bitch. Fortunately that was secret!
Thanks so much for the more than kind words!
What a better place this world would be filled with Cathy and her fabulous circle of bloggers and friends. Mom
Yes, we are all fighting a hard battle....life is full of them. And death always wins in the end. But in between birth and death, we could all use much more compassion in this world.
I COMPLETELY agree, Cathy. The ability to see, realize, feel and believe that we are all connected is at the core of compassion. Spirituality and Physics are very much alike. It' all about energy. We are energy and we need to realize that the quality of energy we give off can effect a multitude of changes. As we give love and compassion, it changes others as it changes us as well. It definitely doesn't have to be big, as you have shown in your stories above. No matter what it is, it will change someone for the better. Thank you for adding your insightful voice to this conversation! Love the movement! xoxo
Beautiful, Cathy. I love this movement and am truly touched by all the posts I've read so far.
Maybe one of these days I'll be able to say I've read them all - but for starters I'm reading those by friends. I love the likemindedness we all have. <3
I think kid's should also be taught compassion in school--as a course of study. I was trying to look up the Philosophy Now link but it wasn't working. By the way, love your comment from your mom!
Beautiful and well said. Shared too! We are so sadly lacking compassion these days it seems. What a wonderful post from a wonderful person! Brings joy to my heart!
I love your stories of compassion, what wonderful people they all are and so are you! I love the quotes and photos you chose too.
#1000 speak is awesome.
I love the story about the nurse best of all. That's a really wonderful example of compassion in action. Super post, Cathy, and thank you for sharing these beautiful true-life examples of compassion making a difference, one person at a time.
I love that your mum comments here. That's amazing 😀
What an amazing project, I have been so inspired reading everyone's stories!
Those are beautiful stories which show that compassion is something each one of us is capable of. We don't need grand gestures to make a difference in the world, and I hope this #1000Speaks movement encourages everyone to do their own little part.
I've always found it so interesting that Plato had also understood the compassion of life, on top of everything else he knew.
You're one of the most admirable women, Cathy. Your compassion shows through everything you post and every comment you make online. I don't really "know" you, but I feel like I do. Living a compassionate life is something we can all work on, a little every day. Your post is a great reminder of that.
Sometimes I get so busy that I realize I have spent an entire day not making a difference to anyone. I pray everyday to be led to someone who I can help. I am glad you were able to find these stories...it is good to read them and be reminded of how good people can be.
sorry I'm so late in sharing my comment. I was without computer for a long time, if you can believe! I also, do not have an i-phone. I am guilty of being too judgemental. I am actively practicing not to do so! I do consider myself as a very compassionate person! I can go on and on with all that I do and have done to show. I firmly believe treat others as you yourself would want to be treated!