A human being is a part of the whole called by us ‘Universe,’ a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. – Albert Einstein
The compassion component seems to be in short supply lately. I have seen a big difference in the way people interact since the age of technology. In gaining momentum, technology (and all that comes with it) has us looking down, not up – in every conceivable way. Sadly, devices have contributed to people becoming divisive, perpetuating separation. Now the delusion IS our prison, and one of our own making.
Sure, we are compassionate with our circle of family and friends, those of influence we respect, with events that trigger our emotions, but it’s selective at best. Why do you think we are still separated by race, color, gender, religion, politics, and a host of other things you can add – to a very long list. Over the ages we don’t seem to evolve, even when we are beaten over the heads with music, tele-vision, movies, books, motivational speakers, coaches, mentors. You get the picture.
I have never seen people at each others throats as I have in the current political climate. It’s sad to watch people who have been friends for years torn apart, allowing disparity to rule. I see it often on social media particularly. It’s unfortunate that we ‘the people’ are the downtrodden, and the few who pull the strings have strung us along as far back as we can remember. Here’s the thing – we outnumber the few. What’s the message here?
Since you can’t overthrow those who manipulate the world for money and power, you can take your personal power back whenever it attempts to evade you. It’s the living breathing beat of your soul. You own it. Conduct yourself with integrity, authenticity, love, kindness, power and peace. Whatever ignites a fire of purpose in you, do that. Make good choices that support your life. Energy is alive, active, and knows how to flow. We humans tend to get in the way of our good now and then. Like stepping on a running hose, stopping the natural flow. Optical delusion of our consciousness, so perfectly stated by Albert Einstein.
Wow! We all need this sage advice at this time in our history. If we could all see each other as a whole, we would be living in a peace filled world. I have had the blessing of living 85 years and have never seen such tribalism in our country, even among families. I for one refuse to be part of this tribalism.I hold the planet in Love and Peace in my Heart.
Thank you, and I agree – people have been torn apart. The best we can do is BE Love and Peace and be living examples of harmony.
Integrity is my #1 top priority for life. If I can walk through this world with my held held high, and stand in my truth, it can protect me from life’s negativity like a force field.
One of the best qualities in life Barb and you live with integrity beautifully!
Thank you for your thought provoking words Debra. We all make up stories in our mind which become as Einstein said, “Optical delusions of our consciousness.” I am a big believer in putting my energy towards healing rather than fighting the divisions. That being said, no way is better than another. We all have our spiritual path to follow. Blessings, Lisa xx
I appreciate your perspective Lisa and I agree, we all have our own path to follow. Blessings xx
Interesting… I, too posted about too much news and my sadness about ongoing division. But having had more lovely connections than uncomfortable interactions via social media, I can’t lay the blame there. I hope I don’t have to.
The ongoing division worldwide is disconcerting to be sure Andrea. It’s the lovely connections that inspire the heart of life.
So true, there is so much disconnect in this technological society. We definitely need to find more ways to come together in love, service and compassion. And we each need to take our own responsibility for this. It starts with me!
The discontent is disconcerting Kris, healing as you say starts with each of us!
I love this Debra and am inspired by your wisdom – “Conduct yourself with integrity, authenticity, love, kindness, power and peace. Whatever ignites a fire of purpose in you, do that. Make good choices that support your life.” Thank you for raising up the importance of cultivating compassion and living in alignment with your highest good.
Thank you for your comment Kelley – this is a topic close to my heart, as I know it is with you as well.
Thank you for a much needed post on compassion, Debra. After the last 2 weeks of horrible news with fires, earthquakes and the spectre of war between India and Pakistan (which has since abated) after they tried to bomb our military bases, I made a conscious effort to stay away from the news and social media while focusing on random acts of kindness to make myself feel better.
I realized we need to have compassion for ourselves too.
Vatsala, watching the news is one way of programing us and creating more fear. It’s best to stay informed in our own ways, not to engage in the shit show. It is sad that people continue to war with each other and ignore the pain and suffering dominance and control creates. Compassion is a missing component for many.
That’s why I love connecting to my spiritual side. My higher self, the angels, God, and the Universe. The world is and gets difficult. The best thing we can do for ourselves and this world is walk with integrity. That was my word for this year. I feel that being the caring, kind, compassionate, understanding souls that we are helps to shift and change the world. Being true to ourselves makes us feel better and be able to live in joy. When we emit our light we can do that for others. We can be a role model.
Integrity is everything – so happy it is your world for the year. Cheers to being a most positive and inspiring role model Heather!
I was speaking with a woman the other day about a similar topic. The more devices we possess with the intent to connect us, the less connected we feel. I could go into a long, drawn out rant, but feel my energy would be better served on thanking you for writing this thought provoking article, Debra. Thanks for sharing your insights and pearls of wisdom. Hugs & Giggles…
I understand the frustration Cindy, but keeping our energy in a good place spreads more good mojo! Hugs my friend…
Thanks Debra for speaking your mind about compassion. I see this as well in stepfamilies where some feel it’s OK to put down others because they parent their children differently than they do.
When we start to look at the role of parenting as being positive role models for the future generation, it helps us to become more aware of our actions and thoughts.
Great post.
Claudette – The Stepmom Coach
Thank you for your thought-full comment Claudette. It all starts at home doesn’t it? Raising good humans requires starting with a positive role model in the home. 🙂
Love. Kindness. Integrity. Three keys to living a balanced and purposeful life. Love that they are the corner stones of all that you are and all that you share. We need more people in the world like you and your readers 🙂
Your comment touched my heart Sally, thank you so much! The world needs more love, kindness and integrity. You carry these qualities beautifully. 🙂