Written by Anhayla Stanley

I heard a beautiful definition of compassion one day before a meditation class — Compassion is a mind that’s motivated by cherishing others and wishes to release them from their suffering.

I love this definition because it focuses on the comfort of others.

Its not self-serving and it focuses on making the lives around us easier.

Compassion is aggressive. 

If you see someone suffering and drowning in despair. A mind of compassion does not say “I just wish you weren’t drowning”....Instead it says “I will NOT let you drown.” Compassion is an action word..it's not passive or wishful thinking.

We all go through things and the one thing about life is sometimes it hurts. Emotions such as depression, anxiety, fear of failure can sometimes depress us down to areas where we can't breathe and we need help sometimes to rise from these feeling.

If you think back to a moment in your life when you were feeling low, or even right now if there is anything you are going through...There is a person who helped you get through it all. Someone outside of you who helped release you from suffering and helped you rise out of your low moments.

This is why it’s so important to find compassion for all people and even people who do things that you don't agree with.

Find compassion for those who engage in negative actions.

Find compassion for those who are alone and have no one to fight for them.

Find compassion for people who think differently than you. 


There is another side to compassion that I believe people get confused. Having a false positive version of compassion can be dangerous.

False positive compassion is when you are too concerned with what others think about you and their comfortability when it concerns your peace, purpose and vision.

Your peace can’t be wrapped up in what other people think about you.

Yes, find compassion for others, however, some things you do not have the power change. You cannot release others from their suffering who wish to remain stuck. Also, you cannot make someone love you or make someone care about you who doesn't. 

Compassion is tricky, but it’s simple in the end — Treat others as you would like to be treated. If you see someone who needs help...help them to your best ability. Give with an open heart wanting nothing in return. Use your words to uplift and heal those around you. Your compassion could save someone’s life. 

Stand in your truth and be a light for people who are depressed in darkness and can't seem to find a way out on their own. Wish the best for ALL people around you.

It doesn't have to be a huge gesture, it could be small — a smile to a stranger, an opened door, a complement. Let’s make the world a little brighter by offering compassion to one another.