Gaining serenity

Gaining serenity

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The concept of compassion originates from the Latin roots com and pati, which means "to suffer with." It involves empathizing with and sharing the suffering of others, a fundamental aspect of our humanity. How can we have compassion for the suffering of others without feeling overwhelmed, depleted, or burnt out?

This is where serenity comes into play - it acts as an inner shock absorber, allowing us to feel the pain of others without being consumed by it. With serenity, we can fully open ourselves to the suffering of others.

Faced with the immense suffering in the world, it's easy to feel a sense of despair and helplessness. We may question whether our efforts to make a difference are enough. However, even seemingly small actions can have a significant impact on someone's life. 

By considering the people around us, both those we know well and those we don't, we can identify opportunities to extend a helping hand. This applies not only to humans–but also to the well-being of animals.

Taking action is essential, as it can ease feelings of hopelessness and empower us to make a tangible difference. It's essential to reflect on our past and current efforts to help others, acknowledging the positive ripple effect they have had in the world, both seen and unseen. While it's true that there is still an abundance of suffering, recognizing the impact of our actions will help us maintain an open heart and continue our compassionate endeavours.

Compassion

To truly grasp compassion,

you must first comprehend loss and experience

the swift dissolution of destiny,

like honey melting away in southern tea.

In order to understand the void 

between realms of compassion, 

you must release what you 

guarded and collected so meticulously.

Before you experience the uplifting significance of compassion

you must journey where the destitute in torn rags

lies deceased by the dumpster in the back alley.

You must understand how this can be you,

how this destitute too was someone

who traversed through life with hopes and dreams

and the divine breath that held him alive.

To truly appreciate the value of compassion, 

one must first forge a bond with pain,

You must rise with pain,

and talk to it till your words

grasp the string of all pains,

and understand the magnitude of the suffering.

Then and only then would compassion have any meaning for you,

only compassion that is as boundless as the sea,

only compassion that raises its head

from countless mortals of the world to say,

"It is me you have been searching for,"

and then walks with you through the journey called life

like a faithful friend.

By Frantisek Strouhal and Chantal Robert

Poem from Inspirations: Art Embracing Awareness 2

Cover image © Ray Bilcliff