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Today we are talking about living with compassion in a competitive world.
Compassion, it’s the only way to live. “This is my simple religion. No need for complicated philosophy. No need for temples. Your own mind, your own heart is the temple. Your philosophy is simple kindness.” Dalai Lama XIV “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Dalai Lama XIV The Dictionary definition of competition: Here I’m interested in the origin, the original thought behind the word competition, or to compete. Dictionary.com: Late Latin competītiōn- (stem of competītiō), equivalent to competīt (us) (past participle of competere to meet, come together) + -iōn- -ion; sense influenced by competitor. In my mind there is the healthy and the unhealthy. Competition can be a healthy way for authentic, compassionate human connection. There is a sense that to compete was first meant to come, and to strive together, for the higher good. Not for the defeat and destruction of each other, but in the collaboration of competition to strive to exceed and excel for the greater individual and collective good of the whole. Compassion is the cornerstone of authentic human connection. Compassion Defined: The English word "compassion" finds its origin in Latin, meaning "co-suffering." Deeper than empathy, compassion enables and empowers an active DESIRE that leads to ACTION to HELP alleviate another's suffering. Where Does Our Human Capacity For Compassion Come From?: As human beings we are biologically hardwired for compassion. This basic capacity for compassion can also be developed into an ever increasing awareness and influence in us, our lives and the our world. Living from an attitude and intention of compassion we experience true and authentic connection, collaboration and co-creating with ourselves and each other, for our mutual highest good. Charles Darwin described compassion as the strongest of human instincts, essential for our survival and the foundation of our morality and ethics. Yes, the very same Charles Darwin who dedicated his life to the study of evolution and the survival of the fittest. Compassion is a truly universal value to all religions, faiths and philosophies. It is the essence of the Golden Rule by which we instinctively know to live by. Compassion honors our needs and the needs of others, in the context of the collective higher good. For me I see compassion in the context of our deepest human need, the need for connection, collaboration and co-creation. Compassion is the authentic and considerate, loving and kind connection with self and with others. It empathizes, it validates, it enables and it empowers us to be one, and together to be more. Compassionate Connection: Compassion enables us to fulfil our deepest human need for sincere and authentic connection. Connection with a higher universal value and idea, with our authentic self and from that place of authenticity and integrity, with each other. Compassion In Practice: Ideas for daily compassion Let compassion be the attitude, intention and expectaiton that you live by each day. Consciousness is the cause of what we experience and express in the world, so create a compassion consciousness. You can create this consciousness by mindful living, and to do so use the Attune, Affirm, Align and Apply formula: Attune: meditation on the concept of compassion. Affirm: speak positive statements of compassion into your conaciousness. Align: bringing your thoughts, feelings, words and actions into integrity with compassion. Apply: live the truth you know everyday. Be an advocate and activist for compassion in your life and in the world, every day. “One love, one heart, one destiny.” Bob Marley Let’s get together and feel alright … Blessings, Clive deLaporte L.U.M |