Education

We All Need to Learn How to Be More Compassionate of Others

We often see compassion as an emotion that we all possess. Those who believe that humans are inherently good would like to think that we have a certain level of compassion for those less fortunate than we are.

However, compassion done correctly needs to be taught. I can not remember any time in school when I learned to be compassionate to others. Although I learned good moral behaviours like, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you”, this is not quite compassion. And having this trait is key to the future of the world.

We now live in a society where it is easy to live in your own bubble. Social media algorithms show us what we want to see, and it is easier than ever to escape the problems of the world.

Also, as the world of content creation continues to increase, we can now select what news we want to listen to. It could be fake news, opinion or fact, but it does not matter. Now, the consumer is in charge, and what they want is what they get.

All of this is leading to a world where people no longer want to see eye to eye. People now choose to completely ignore the views of others or seek to impose their own beliefs on others through things like cancel culture.

As we move towards a more individualistic world, we need to begin thinking of things that will hold us together. Unfortunately, we are struggling to find ambitions and goals that we can all agree on in society. We are seeing wars, protests and poor leadership everywhere we turn.

However, compassion is one trait that can always bring us one step closer to understanding another person’s story. And in doing so, can bring us closer together.

Why We Should Teach Compassion

One of the good things about the current education system is that it gets children involved in charitable causes. I remember packing a shoebox with toys to send to unfortunate children in Bulgaria for Christmas.

The experience was memorable, and I still remember watching videos of them being opened. It was great to see that a bouncy ball and some toothpaste could make a child happy.

Although charitable acts should be encouraged, teaching the sentiment behind them is more valuable. Sitting children down to let them know why compassion is essential and what it does for the world will assist in more positive action.

For the most part, I was taught that showing compassion was feeling sorry for those less fortunate than me. Although Google defines it in a similar way, I do think there is both an emotion and action that comes along with compassion.

The emotion may be pitiful, but the action is often one that is uplifting. That may be giving someone a hug, sending a gift or listening to their struggles. And teaching the doing part of compassion will allow children to grow up with a greater sense of unity.

Teaching compassion brings back to the heart what it means to be human. With so much economic pressure in our society and rising competition, we can often feel like we are all alone. There is no wonder my mental health is becoming an ever-growing issue among teenagers and adults.

A lot of us feel alone in a world where we are surrounded by so many views and voices. Teaching compassion will bring about an ability to not just hear, but to listen. To not just see, but to feel. And to not just feel, but to act.

Applying Compassion to Our everyday Lives

I find it hard to find areas in my life where I can be a little more compassionate to others. We spend so much of our time self absorbed in our own tasks, it can be hard to focus on others.

However, we can all add a little more compassion to our lives if we truly tried. I have started taking time out to look for areas where I can get more involved with volunteering. Also, looking for charities I can support has helped me feel more connected to those who are vulnerable and in need.

For most of us, donating to a charity is as far as it goes. However, it is proved that those who volunteer tend to live longer and happier lives. I do not think that this should come as a surprise. Not only does compassion bring us together, but it also makes us feel helpful.

As humans, part of our fulfilment comes from feeling important. And the best way to do that is to contribute to society and those who need support. I have found volunteering to be rewarding in my own life. Instead of just donating, offer your skills and expertise.

Another way we can show compassion in our everyday lives is by simply being present for those we care about the most. There is not one person I know who has it all figured out and is in complete peace.

We are all on the journey of life together, and that includes ups and downs. As we journey through, we are all in need of a listening ear, comfort and the support of others. And it is these opportunities that provide us with the ability to show compassion.

The school did a great job of getting me involved in charitable causes, but it never gave me an incentive to seek out opportunities to practice compassion. A lot of us wait for the opportunities to come by. However, in doing so, we prolong the suffering of our friends and charities who need our support.

So, start taking a more active approach to compassion. Seek out the opportunities in your daily life where you could be more compassionate to others in your circle and outside of it. I am sure you will find some.

Closing Thoughts

If there is one thing I have learned about compassion is that it is limitless. We can demonstrate acts of compassion in our daily lives.

All it takes is us stepping out of our own bubble and having the courage to act on others’ behalf. It is time education began to emphasise the importance of compassion for our happiness and the world.

So, how are you going to start showing compassion on a regular basis?

Reader’s Also Like:

If you are an external reader, consider becoming a member to gain access to all my writing. By doing so, you support me and thousands of other writers trying to make the world a better place through their call to write.