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Six Steps to Strong Compassion
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Step 1: Know deeply your own understanding of compassion
Compassion is something that is developmental. This is fundamental to developing strong compassion. Accept the possibility of advanced compassion and learn to know where you are in the process. Knowing where you are helps you to know where to go next.
Step 2: Think, read, write, or talk, about compassion every day
Set aside at least 15 minutes a day for compassion thinking. Spend time exploring this entire website and read everything (which will take some time).
Strong compassion is visable through action and is highly resistant to the pressures of modern life. Strong compassion will stand the test of time and work fatigue. Strong compassion is continually present as a way of being and thinking. We may be born with the predisposition toward compassion but we are not born with strong compassion. It is something we must practice in order to develop. Once you are skilled, strong compassion can make a difference in someone's suffering within 15 minutes of meeting the person. Strong compassion also contributes to personal well being.
Pass it on - talk about or write about, or in some other way share, compassion information with others. You can start your own compassion blog - use your name and call it "Joe's Compassion Thoughts" (or something like that) and write every week (at least). If you don't want to be public, then do a "compassion journal" on your computer.
Step 3: Practice holding the compassion space - for everyone.
Have your first action toward people be one of "do no harm". Do not speak in a way that causes harm of any type but also do not be afraid to speak out against actions (not people) that cause harm.
Have your first thought about people be one of compassion. Step into their shoes.
Find time every week to "deeply listen" with compassion to one other person, to hold the compassion space for one person. Volunteer, advocate, give, help.
Step 4: Seek ways to develop strong and radiant compassion
Come to understand that there are advanced forms of compassion, and that they are possible (
the "tree" ). Seek ways to advance your own compassion development.
Step 5: Remove both internal and external compassion barriers
Few of us can maintain the highest forms of compassion. As we drift away we can see the barriers, both internal and external, that inhibit our compassion development. A compassion trainer can assist with this process.
After you see the barriers then begin taking steps to limit their influence on your actions. For example: When you feel angry and have an insult on your tongue then keep your mouth shut.
After addressing actions then seek to address thinking that is affected by the barriers. For example: When you think angry toward another then direct that thinking toward their actions not the person and then toward why and what to do. Stop negative thinking and replace it with "walk-in-their-shoes" thinking. Then focus on solutions not complaints. A compassion trainer can help with this.
After addressing thinking then seek to address feeling, your state of being or presence, that is affected by the barriers. For example: When you feel angry practice being calm and centered and directing the emotion to good use. Learn to understand the roots of your emotion. A compassion trainer can help with this.
Step 6: Make a difference using what you do best
We all have talents, and we have things we are passionate about. Use these to help others.
Find your own calling and then follow it with all your being while also using that passion to help others along the way.
Help build the information data base on this website by searching the internet and finding links to information that are not included on this website. Then send the links to us by using the "contact us" button. This is also a way for you to read new ideas about compassion. This website is a community project and people are invited to contribute.
