Compassion Runs Deep

As life events have struck my heart, Dr. Gabor Mate's five levels of compassion have helped me understand the deep compassion I feel for humanity.

Human Compassion 

In the wake of recent tragedies, I can’t help feeling compassion for the people in California who lost everything in the fires, the people in North Carolina who lost everything due to the hurricane, and the lives that were lost in multiple plane crashes.

I think about the devastation and feel their pain, and if anyone reading this has been affected, my heart sincerely goes out to you.

This is a compassion that most of us share, which is human compassion.  

We care for humanity, and we suffer alongside each other.

Compassion of Understanding 

I can’t imagine having a home where I feel safe and secure one day; in the blink of an eye, it’s gone. Or losing loved ones in a horrific tragedy. Just think of how these events have affected so many people nationwide. Being overwhelmed and not knowing where to turn next must feel unbearable. Putting yourself in another's shoes, you try to comprehend what they are going through. Doing so better equips us to lend the support they need now and in the future.

Let us not forget...

Looking at the bigger picture is how we embody the compassion to understand one another.

Compassion of Recognition 

When tragedies like this happen, no one is immune. It doesn’t matter your background, gender, status, or nationality. These unfortunate circumstances can happen to anyone at any time. In times like these, people from all walks of life unite to help each other. We drop judgment, knowing we are no different. We all cry the same tears and feel the same pains. We don’t see ourselves as different because we are all in the same boat. Each of us will face challenging times at some point. When we embrace our differences and see that we are all one, this is compassion of recognition.

Compassion of Truth 

There is no sugar-coating these traumas. They are real.

They will take time to process and get through, and the imprint upon us may last a lifetime.  

We may live our lives differently moving forward, and we need to accept this reality. 

As hard as this may be, this is compassion of truth and is necessary to heal.

Compassion of Possibilities

Each of us will, however, move forward, and life begins again. It may not feel like it when you are in the middle of it, but people are resilient. Inside each of us is a beautiful spirit that seeks to rise and overcome our challenges. And we have endless potential in what may lie ahead. Often, through life's hard knocks, we find a strength we didn’t even know we had; here, we have compassion for possibilities and look to the future, even in the darkest hours. 

I reflect on my life at the moments when the floor fell out from underneath my feet, and I am grateful for the people who shared deep compassion for me.

These people lifted my spirits when I couldn't lift my own. 

May you always see with the eye of your heart and have the kindness to share it.

My best, with love, 

Yvette