ALTRUISM of LOVE AND COMPASSION

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"I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, of love and compassion, and elimination of ignorance, selfishness, and greed." ~Dalai Lama

rewireyourbrainforlove.com

So often we use the words above in our everyday life without really thinking about what they mean or what it would be like if all the people in the world live by them.

Let's dig deeper into the meaning of these words.  

Altruism is the unselfish concern for the welfare and well being of others.  It is the active practice of love and compassion. Altruism is demonstrated in daily life by simple acts such as feeding the hungry and providing directions to a stranger in need. Altruism focuses on a motivation to help others or a want to do good a good thing, without a concern for reciprocation or reward. Altruism is related to heroism; however it lacks an element of risk to the helper. Research indicates that altruism is triggered by empathy and driven by compassion. (source heroic inagination.org)

Love is an emotion of strong affection and personal attachment.  In philosophical context, love is a virtue representing all of human kindness, compassion, and affection.  (source wikipedia.org)

Compassion is also a virtue, one in which the emotional capacities of empathy and sympathy for others, are regarded as a part of love itself, and a cornerstone of greater social interconnectedness and humanism.  It is foundation to the highest principles in philosophy, society, and personally..  (source wikipedia.org)

What do you think the impact on society would be if these 'words' were 'lived in daily action' by more people?  I believe the impact would be less conflict and more PEACE in the world! 

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” ~Dalai Lama 

Dalai Lama's Peace Prize Acceptance Speech

Teaching Compassion

The definition of Compassion is a human emotion prompted by the pain of others. It is often thought to be the key component in Altruism (pronounced: pronounced /ˈæltruːɪzəm/) which is selfless concern for the welfare of others; as defined by Wikipedia.

I think of compassion as having great empathy for someone, whether it is because they seem to be struggling, hurting, lonely or lost either emotionally or spiritually. Meaning to have no faith or hope in anything.

I also have compassion for those who seem outcast or ridiculed in some way. Everyone is ‘different’ in some way. We should embrace with each others ‘uniqueness’. And really what is ‘normal’ anyway and to whom?

I think I’ve always tried to be nice to everyone. I was never the bully or even argumentative although I think I was ‘too’ nice and naive in the past. I really tried to treat other people the way I would want to be treated. I truly thought most people did what was right or kind unless there was a reason no too.

Watching what my youngest son has gone through has opened my eyes to the rest of the world. I have learned so much from seeing his pain and even fear at times growing up. From people yelling at a little boy walking his dog to get out of their yard, calling him horrible names, just because they considered him ‘different’.   Another time a neighbor told her daughter that he couldn’t jump on her trampoline with the rest of the kids.. yelling “get the “R” off”!  He was just a little boy at the time!

Then my son got older, and at his previous school, kids were allowed to bully and even ‘spit’ on him, trip him and call him names.  He was afraid to walk home because he would get chased and teased.  I was told that kids were just being kids. Really, my kids never did that.. nor would I have allowed it if they did.

Where are the adults teaching kids right from wrong and compassion for any one?  I think it should be both at homne and school.  The teachers and administrators at my son's last school did a great job.  There was no tolerance or excuses.  My son finally felt safe at school!

This has been a very troubling and upset concern of mine for a long time now. I would like to know what other parents or both ‘special’ and ‘normal’ kids think.  Who do you think should teach compassion and how would you handle these situations on either side.

Thanks my friends for all your comments and feedback! It helps me and other parents more than you know. HUGS to you all!!