By Jan Boal RN, CCN
“Sympathy and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. To suffer together.”
Empathy is feeling another person’s pain. Compassion is to take action to relieve the suffering of others. This is what builds communities, leadership, and in my hopes, a way in which we all live our day to day lives.
Have you ever had someone show you compassion when you needed it? What a gift, that lifts the spirit of another! To provide support andhope. To be seen and understood. A powerful gesture by simply extending an outreached hand to help lift another, “I got you.”
What happens when we do not receive this when we are in a dire situation? To have your feelings, your pain, physical or emotional, be disregarded? I know, as I am sure most do as well. It hurts, as though it is not real, we do not matter. WE ALL MATTER. This is why compassion is so important. It is the foundation of humanity.
Compassion is a loving gesture of the highest form. Just thinking about it you can feel it’s embrace. What if everyday we all shared compassion to just one fellow being everyday all over this planet? You know intuitively, instinctually, that this could change the world as we know it today. You can envision hate, envy, jealousy and anger just melt away bit by bit. Compassion is the ultimate gift of kindness. Imagine the lives that would be changed for the better!
Guess what!? It has health benefits as well! Compassion is a win win. You will feel better for doing so. Endorphins will release in your brain, the feel good chemical. You will be a happier person. What is good for the spirt/soul is good for the body. Decreased stress leads to decreased blood pressure, anxiety, racing heartbeat, increased blood flow throughout your whole body, increased oxygenation, improved
mood/outlook, mental clarity and awareness. Wow! It doesn’t cost
anything, you don’t need a prescription, takes but a moment. The more
compassionate the healthier you become!
“to suffer together” may be our saving grace for this world and all of it’s
inhabitants. Worth a try, don’t ya think!?
Positive Vibes Holistic Care
janboalrn@gmail.com
janboal.com
