Category Archives: compassion

homelessness in New York City

posticon Homelessness

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A prominent stereotype today is homeless people.

In several recent conversations I’ve had with folks about homeless people, the common attitude was, “If they had any ambition, they wouldn’t be homeless. They’re simply irresponsible.”

In other words, it’s their own fault. But is it?

The Canadian organization, New Leaf Project, recently did a research project on homelessness. They gave 115 homeless people $7,500 each. One year later, most of the 115 people had $1,000 in savings, and were able to feed themselves and their families.… Read more

homeless-man

posticon Secret Courage: A True Story

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People with courage and character always seem sinister to the rest. ~ Herman Hesse, German poet and novelist

We’ve told this story before, many years ago. But it’s worth revisiting, especially in the context of today’s world, where courage, secret or not, seems so rare.

When we were kids, my brother, cousins, and I loved to roam through the forests and fields, hills and valleys of our rural home area.

Back in those long-ago days, it was perfectly safe. Except for one dense, bleak wooded area.… Read more

posticon Honor and Compassion for All Life

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When man learns to respect even the smallest being of creation…nobody has to teach him to love his fellow man. Compassion for animals is intimately connected with goodness of character…. ~ Albert Schweitzer, M.D.

compassion-sad-face-seal

One of my greatest heroes is Dr. Albert Schweitzer. I sometimes wonder what he would think about the state of our world today. His admonition to celebrate and respect all life seems to fall on deaf ears these days.

I know animal welfare can be a controversial subject, especially when it comes to being a meat-eater or a vegetarian.… Read more

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posticon The Amazing Power of Compassion

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If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. ~ The Dalai Lama

child-crying-in-war-zone

Recently I’d been feeling a bit “out of sorts.” I couldn’t concentrate on my work, household chores, etc. This is not typical for me.

But I understood, at least partly, why it was happening. We recently had a sudden death in the family. Several close friends and family were enduring difficult, life-changing challenges. Then, just days ago, I found out a good friend had been killed in a tragic accident.… Read more

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posticon The Spirit of Compassion

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Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man will not himself find peace. ~ Albert Schweitzer

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Syrian Refugee Children

I thought a good way to start the new year would be to focus on something so much of today’s world seems to be lacking—compassion.

It’s easy to feel compassion for those we love. (I picked that image above because the little boy looks so much like my grandson.)

It’s easy to feel compassion for those we agree with, those who are, basically, the same as us.… Read more