THE POWER OF EMPATHY and COMPASSION

By now, most of us have witnessed the destruction and horror that is taking place in Gaza.  The situation there is dire and has engaged many to debate the ongoing conflict.  I have engaged in debates with friends using social media like; Facebook and Twitter.  I have engaged in civil conversations about this issue but have also been on the receiving end of harsh criticism.  I have been called anti-Semitic, I have been told that I don’t know what I am talking about and that I don’t understand the history of the conflict.  My views have been taken out of context and in order for me to conform to a certain ideology – I my lifestyle was forced into the debate.

As I do not want to further create hostilities and engage in a debate of who is wrong or right, I want to clearly state my position of how I feel about this conflict and many others like it around the world:

“I am not PRO ISRAEL or PRO HAMAS.  I DO NOT agree with acts of terrorism and terrorist factions.  I DO NOT need to understand the history of this conflict in order to have empathy and compassion for those who are dying from the conflict.  I STAND FOR PEACE, LOVE and an end to this violence and the death of many innocent people.  That is my stand on this issue.”

I am not alone in my feelings about this – I have talked with many colleagues (of many different nationalities/religions) and most seem to agree that one IS NOT anti-Semitic just because they have empathy and compassion for innocent people dying.

Throughout my spiritual journey, I have found that being positive, loving, compassionate and empathetic allows one to live a more positive and happier life.  Sometimes it is difficult to engage in debate with people who don’t have those characteristics as it may be difficult for them to see ‘the other viewpoint’.  The lesson I have learned is that it is sometimes better to stop the debate than to allow the negativity and if the negativity continues – remove it.  What good will it do you and your state of mind by engaging in never-ending arguments in matters that even governments can’t solve?

Here are some statements and questions I have asked myself in order to live more positively:

• Do not watch negative news or read negative newspapers.
• Ask yourself:  Is (whatever situation) creating negative feelings within you?
• What positive outcome can come from arguing?
• Can you have a sensible and positive debate?
• Are my personal feelings getting in the way of positive debate?
• I live from LOVE and if I give LOVE, I will also receive LOVE.
• Live with compassion, empathy and LOVE.
• Treat others as you want to be treated.
• Try not to judge others.

The above statements and questions have allowed me to recognize those who bring negative energy into my life.  With that recognition, I have been able to assess whether or not I want to move forward and have that energy in my life.  Usually, the answer is no, which I am perfectly comfortable with.  I remove the energy with love and hold no hard feelings towards those who harbour that energy.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

GOOD and EVIL

Today – I was introduced to Kahlil Gibran by a friend at work.  I was amazed that I have never heard of him before.  She read a passage from his book “Prophet” and I was completly mesmerized by the beauty of his words.

I told Suzanne (the friend who introduced me to Kahlil Gibran) that I believed it was no coincidence that she shared his work with me at that precise moment, just as she was introduced to him so many years prior.  These moments happen for a reason – they enter our lives because we are ready to receive whatever messages the universe is trying to give to us.  For me – it is to share his profound and positive words with all of you.  I look forward to reading the rest of his book(s) and I hope that his words move you as much as they have moved me.  Here is a passage from the book “Prophet”:

And one of the elders of the city said, “Speak to us of Good and Evil.”

And he answered:

Of the good in you I can speak, but not of the evil.

For what is evil but good tortured by its own hunger and thirst?

Verily when good is hungry it seeks food even in dark caves, and when it thirsts, it drinks even of dead waters.

You are good when you are one with yourself.

Yet when you are not one with yourself you are not evil.

For a divided house is not a den of thieves; it is only a divided house.

And a ship without rudder may wander aimlessly among perilous isles yet sink not to the bottom.

You are good when you strive to give of yourself.

Yet you are not evil when you seek gain for yourself.

For when you strive for gain you are but a root that clings to the earth and sucks at her breast.

Surely the fruit cannot say to the root, “Be like me, ripe and full and ever giving of your abundance.”

For to the fruit giving is a need, as receiving is a need to the root.

You are good when you are fully awake in your speech,

Yet you are not evil when you sleep while your tongue staggers without purpose.

And even stumbling speech may strengthen a weak tongue.

You are good when you walk to your goal firmly and with bold steps.

Yet you are not evil when you go thither limping.

Even those who limp go not backward.

But you who are strong and swift, see that you do not limp before the lame, deeming it kindness.

You are good in countless ways, and you are not evil when you are not good,

You are only loitering and sluggard.

Pity that the stags cannot teach swiftness to the turtles.

In your longing for your giant self lies your goodness: and that longing is in all of you.

But in some of you that longing is a torrent rushing with might to the sea, carrying the secrets of the hillsides and the songs of the forest.

And in others it is a flat stream that loses itself in angles and bends and lingers before it reaches the shore.

But let not him who longs much say to him who longs little, “Wherefore are you slow and halting?”

For the truly good ask not the naked, “Where is your garment?” nor the houseless, “What has befallen your house?” 

Kahlil Gibran’s words are inspirational and are examples of what we, as a positive global consciousness, can help create in our world today!

Thank you Suzanne for introducing me to such a wonderful poet/author.  Your own personal life reflections and experiences inspire me and am a grateful that you have allowed me to experience your past memories through your recollections.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

INSPIRING CELEBRITY VIDEOS….

I love when celebrities are not afraid to speak from the heart and not worried about how their statement/words may affect their careers.  It is fantastic when they speak truth and come from a place where there is no judgements, here are some great examples:

Who inspires you to become an instrument for positive change in our world.  Change can only come when we let our voices be heard.  Let your voice be heard!

Together we can make the world a more positive one!