We come to earth as needy babes dependent on the loving compassion of others to raise us. Compassion is mainly learned. It is by the caring example shown us that we grow to see the best way to treat others.

If we break down the word into com and passion we see that it is the coming together with passion that produces the result. We can't go wrong when acting compassionately. We are acting for others out of what we feel in ourselves. It really is a passion for wholeness we wish to pass on.

And why do we thrive on giving and receiving compassion?

We are connected as a universal family and in that reality we know that in preserving another we preserve ourselves, because we need what each of us has to offer.

Some may be teachers, some store workers, some bread makers, some lawmakers. But what we have in common is we all serve others while taking care of ourselves and families.

Compassion is developed through practice. The more we give with kindness the more easily it is to give spontaneously when the need arises. Compassion flows from us as a rushing stream of action.

Meditation is a way to purify our thoughts that we may give from our very best for the good of the situation. In meditation we have the quiet time to let our body rest, to lose our bodily sensations for awhile, to concentrate on feeling appreciation for what we have. Meditation is a beautiful route to developing your compassionate attitudes, ready to use in daily life.

After a meditation session we zoom off to our regular routines, but eventually the quiet introspection pays off by putting us in just the right mood when another is in need for what we can give.

Let's spend time to develop compassion, for bringing out the best in ourselves, and extending our caring net around others in need.

Compassion opens us
To joy that knows no bounds
Alive as spiritual lights
Alive in love unbound.

For offline reading

Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.

Meditation Lessons for Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

Article by Susan Helene Kramer

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