Compassion: is it still necessary?!

The first time I walked by a homeless man, I was abroad. This situation was new to me as Malta did not have such scenes in the streets. I remember I was walking through a dodgy street in Athens in Greece. I had some apples and packets of crackers in my bag. I just felt the need to give them away.

Thoughts ran through my mind. In the morning, I had had a full breakfast and I could certainly survive without any food till dinner time. I kept staring at first whilst my mind was telling me not to. It was such a confusing scene. And I thought to myself: how could anyone pass by as if there was no one there?

Compassion doesn’t start and end with homeless people. I often read a common MEME that says: “Be Kind to everyone. You don’t know which battles people are going through.” I strongly believe this and that is the main reason why I am writing this. In my main job, I often encounter people who are angry and/or frustrated for various reasons. They seem to have built a wall around them and will not consider anything else beside that wall. It might be the case that they themselves have been hurt but we cannot grow up unless we keep on constantly changing. Part of our change is indeed interaction with other people. Unless we are open to listen actively, we will remain in our safe niche and become inconsiderate beings that we were not meant to be after all.

Living in harmony with oneself is essential but it is also true that living in synch with others is just as needed. So, is compassion needed? Of course, it is! The next time you hear a colleague moan, try to delve deeper than the usual “Oh well things happen …” or “It could be worse than that!” The next time your parents complain about you being late, consider how important you are to them and how much they value your presence. The next time you encounter a friend in need, just be there!

There are no magic words that will heal life’s problems but there is always the magic of a warm smile, the magic touch of hands, the wonderful feeling of being on the other end of the line without being a hurry to go elsewhere. There is the added value of time, true listening and genuine compassion.

I augur you experience it from both ends whether you’re a giver or a receiver. It will make you complete.