“A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty” –Albert Einstein.  |
Definition: A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to help them.
Lack of sympathy, Indifference, Coldness and Thoughtlessness are the opposites of compassion. It also means people who are lack of compassion; do not feel for the distresses, sufferings and pains of others. Compassion will allow us to feel the pain and plight of others, to see from their perspective and situation in life. It will enable us to convey a deep feeling of love and concern that moves us to meet their needs.
True compassion is not about bringing our own agendas, idea and our needs, no matter how good it may be, to a situation that requires help. It is an identification process with those who needs help especially when we have been through trails and tribulation similar to their plight. The facts that because we have been through it, we can help them find their own way out. True compassion also enables us the ability to feel genuine empathy and concern for those who suffer distressing physical, mental, or emotional issues, to love and tolerate them, and even serve them cheerfully.
Reflection:
Ask yourself; “Have I exhibited compassion in my daily life?” When we are compassionate, we take into account the suffering of others and attempt to alleviate that suffering as if it were our own. In this sense, the various forms of the Golden Rule in helping others are clearly based on the concept of compassion.
As Character leaders, we must extend ourselves to other people with compassion and what flows out of compassion are love and tolerance. Compassion is an attitude. If we have negative attitude, it is very difficult to have compassion. As a character leader, we must first learn to listen because listening will usually reveal the needs of others. Being compassionate is about finding a long tern solution to help others rather than just on an ad-hoc basis. Most importantly, a character leader will comfort and help others regardless of race, gender, faith, age or nationality.
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