Learning how to be compassionate is a great asset in life because you'll feel connected and a part of many peoples' lives while helping out.

Being compassionate is a combination of seeing someone in need and helping make it better.

Some examples are - someone gets a physical injury, or is sad and crying and needs comforting, or needs some protection if being bullied.

We all need comforting during hard times so we know how it feels to be comforted and give comfort.

Guided meditation about being compassionate

Begin by sitting up straight in your meditation place. If you like, keep a journal and pen at your side, so that after your meditation you can write about any thoughts that come to you about being compassionate.

Now, do a minute of even and natural breathing like this - breathe in 1 count and breathe out 1 count, and repeat this even pattern while sitting still and thinking. You don't need to say the numbers, just keep up the even rhythm of breathing.

If you are sitting on a cushion on the floor, fold in your legs and place your folded hands in your lap. If you are sitting in a chair, place the soles of your feet on the floor and place your hands in your lap.

Close your eyes and imagine yourself walking to school along the sidewalk. Just ahead you see a girl from your school named Shelley trip on a rock and fall down. You run up to her to see if she needs any help. You notice she scraped her knee and it is bleeding a little.

You take a tissue out of your pocket and offer it to Shelley, so she can hold it on her scrape for a minute to stop any bleeding. You also sit down with her and after a little rest you offer to walk the rest of the way to school with her, and carry her backpack, too.

When you get to school you walk Shelley to the school nurse's office so her scrape can be cleaned. And then you go to your classroom.

Finish your meditation with a deep breath in and out and stretch. Now take some moments to think how you can be compassionate with someone you know who may need some help. The benefit to you is you will feel good being useful for a much longer time than while you are helping out!

Article by Susan Kramer

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For offsite reading

Meditation for Teens and 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.

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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.