What Is This Thing Compassion?

Ask 12 people for a definition of compassion, and you may likely get at least 13 different answers.  Ask the same 12 people what compassion is not, and the answers received will potentially negate many of the responses from the first list.  Each of us lives in our own carefully constructed realities that may be more black and white than we are willing to accept.  Within this polarization lies our views on compassion. 

The definition of compassion is simply a deep feeling of sorrow or sadness for another accompanied by the desire to alleviate suffering.  As individuals, we may respond to this definition by choosing a variety of ways to share compassion in our lives.  Our responses may be similar to the compassionate action of others or they may be unique to us.  Neither is more or less compassion. 

We may also choose to set our intent to be a compassionate presence to our self, others, and the world on our life journey.  Those who have taken a vow to alleviate suffering are called, in the Buddhist tradition, bodhisattvas.  Those who choose to accept the path of the bodhisattva do not have hard and fast rules on how they must express compassion.  They are the presence of compassion, at times anonymously, throughout their day.

When I facilitate Compassion Conversations, I begin by assuring the group that I left my ruler at home.  We are not measuring anyone’s compassion against another’s or an arbitrary compassion standard.  The intent of the conversation is not to judge a person’s compassionate actions; rather, it is to help all those in the conversation better understand their unique, lived experience of compassion.  Individuals are encouraged to discover the depth and breadth of their compassionate action.

Compassion is a lived experience.  By that I mean that each of us decides how our actions alleviate the suffering of our self or another.  It could take the form of alleviating physical suffering — providing a meal for an individual or donating money to an organization that provides foodstuffs to those in need.  We may also listen to the anguish of a friend, family member, or a stranger.  Spontaneously opening a door and offering assistance in the moment are forms of compassion.  Any action that lessens the suffering of another is a compassion filled one.  The best part?  You, yes, you, gets to decide how you alleviates suffering on the Way of Compassion.

So, what is this thing called compassion?  Simply, it is an alleviation of suffering.  But, often we confuse the definition with the action.  Compassion becomes a verb with our actions. 

How does this thing compassion manifest as a verb?  Whoever, however, wherever, and whatever, we feel impelled to alleviate suffering. 

Compassion is a lived experience through which we carve a particular, unique way of life. How are you compassion’s presence today?

Vanessa

Vanessa is an Intuitive, Community Builder, and Compassionista, and Author of Engaging Compassion Through Intent & Action

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