Create Hope with Compassion: Be a Peaceful Changemaker
Compassion changes lives. This was true for Augie, an abused dog left to die near a Middle Eastern garbage pile. There was little hope for him until he caught the attention of a woman walking nearby. In response to seeing her, Augie moved the only thing he could and wagged his tail. The woman brought this undefeated dog home, and eventually sent him to the United States for veterinary care and a new home.
One person’s compassion inspired caring responses from many others. Steve, a veterinarian who provided medical care, said, “I was inspired by the person who started the process to save Augie. My role was one piece of many. I was also inspired by Augie’s ability to look beyond suffering. When lying at the dump, he wagged his tail simply because he was happy to see the woman. She could have easily ignored him, but she didn’t.” A compassionate response to Augie’s suffering created hope.
Compassion helps us face suffering with optimism and peace, while inspiring others to also act kindly. The following perspectives and strategies can help you foster hope with life changing compassion.
- See the difference between compassion and empathy. Empathy means feeling what others feel and helps us connect, but we need to keep it in perspective. Taking on other people’s emotional journey is not sustainable. Compassion, noticing suffering accompanied by the desire to alleviate it, allows us to be with others without taking on their emotions. Empathy may have connected the woman to Augie, but it was compassion that enabled her to respond with hope.
- Consider what you are emotionally responsible for, and what you are not. When with a sad family member, a frustrated child, or an angry colleague what are you responsible for? You are not responsible for their emotions. Each one of us is responsible for our own emotions and we honor others by allowing them to experience their own unique emotional journey. We will be affected by other people’s emotions, but we can influence how. We have our own emotional journey and can help others more effectively by remembering this. Use a metaphor or phrase to maintain emotional distinctiveness. For example, imagine a bubble around yourself and silently say, “You have your emotions, and I have my emotions.”
- See the positives more. Consider the benefits of helping others during difficult times. Inner peace, hope, care, respect, and kindness are just a few rewards. Focus on the gifts rather than the suffering. Steve provided medical care for Augie, but it was not one sided. He chose to see the hope and inspiration he received more than sadness by how Augie was treated. Compassion we offer positively shapes our own lives as well as the world around us.
- Respond with kindness and humility. We are human and there is much we cannot control, so we need to let go of a desire to fix everything. People who helped Augie did not know what the outcome would be, but showing care was much healthier than ignoring his suffering. Simple and generous acts of kindness illustrate the power of compassion. Sitting with a loved one before they die, volunteering at a woman’s shelter, or helping a homeless person will not fix everything but do show care amid the brokenness. Compassion helps others know they are not alone and shapes the world with care.
- Offer kindness to yourself. Self-compassion nourishes our ability to offer compassion to others. Notice your own suffering and respond with kindness. Give yourself a hug, say some nice words, and ask for help when struggling. Honor the fact that you are human and need to experience compassion just as others do.
Compassion has the power to create change unlike any other force. It is more than an emotional response and involves actively bringing care, hope, and peace into the world. Each time we compassionately respond to suffering, we claim “You matter and you are not alone.” Together let’s make this message loud and clear, especially when the world wants to just keep walking by.
This article contains excerpts from Resilient and Sustainable Caring published by Whole Person Associates.
Karen Schuder, EdD, MDiv, MAM, speaker and best-selling author, promotes life balance, inner peace, and resilience. Years of helping people during traumatic times, leading organizations, and working globally inform her work with people in personal and professional helping roles. Karen offers life-changing concepts and practical strategies with an enjoyable, interactive approach. Check out Resilient and Sustainable Caring: Your Guide to Thrive While Helping Others. Learn more about how to foster a purpose driven culture characterized by resilience, positivity, and decreased anxiety at www.karenschuder.com.
