Compassion

I’m reading a book called Field Notes on the Compassionate Life /A Search for the Soul of Kindness.  This is the time of year when I have the strongest urge to withdraw– to detach, to hunker down, to contract away from the growing darkness, the lengthening nights.   This book is like lighting candles at night– a good antidote to all the pain and negativity crowding in all around.  The author, Marc Ian Barasch, has loaded this book with religious takes on the subject, and also scientific notes on studies of compassionate behavior between animals, philosophy, and even practical advice, ranging from the Dalai Lama to Yoko Ono.  “Transform jealousy to admiration/and what you admire/will become part of your life. ”  That was Yoko.  He also quotes a 16th century rabbi as admonishing us to remember that everyone we meet is involved in a terrific struggle.  Everyone. We. Meet. It’s true, isn’t it?  Everyone has something going on. 

This week, I am practicing looking for the light in other people– seeking out their spark.  Even opposing counsel.  Even those who seem horribly clueless, possibly demented.  I wish I could do a better job at this– I tend to react poorly to the person who stops in the middle of the street for no reason, to the parking meter cop who insists on ticketing me even though I am standing right there (Right There!) at the meter, looking for change in my purse. I have to do a better job at this.  I need to practice what Barasch calls casting the Good Eye, instead of the evil one.   I’m no saint.  But then again, just because a candle only makes a little light, doesn’t mean it it isn’t worthwhile to light it, right? 

Wish me luck . . .