THBM:
“A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you.” – Dalai Lama XIV
What does it mean to be truly compassionate? Most think about the acts of kindness we offer each other, but I think the Dalai Lama was speaking about a permanent way of being in the world that is more like an orientation of attitude that we put ourselves into. This way of being in the world does not require anything to justify it nor to give it reason be compassionate or not. When we are deeply connected to our own being, then compassion is the acknowledgement of intrinsic equality we offer others. Through this orientation to the world we tell everyone we come in contact with how wonderfully valuable they are because they are like us. Compassion in all its forms is an awareness and acknowledgement of our loving connection with each other. The compassion the Dalai Lama speaks of is a default way in which we orientate ourselves to others. No matter how others may treat us, we only offer our understanding and our kindness. This way of being ensures that we always reap the rewards of feeling kind and loving. By offering more kindness and understanding we open the flood gates for the universe to give us more and more of what we have aligned ourselves with… more compassion. I am compassionate. I am joy. I am love. I am so very good.
