As life events have struck my heart, Dr. Gabor Mate’s five levels of compassion have helped me understand the deep compassion I feel for humanity.
HUMAN COMPASSION In the wake of recent tragedies, I can’t help but feel compassionate for the people in California who lost everything in the fires, the people in North Carolina who lost everything due to the hurricane and the lives that were lost in other unfortunate disasters. I think about the devastation and feel their pain. If anyone reading this has been affected, my heart sincerely goes out to you. This is the type of compassion that most of us share as we care for humanity, and we suffer alongside each other.
COMPASSION OF UNDERSTANDING I can’t imagine having a home where I feel safe and secure and in the blink of an eye, it’s gone. Or losing a loved one in a horrific tragedy. Just think of how these events have affected so many people nationwide. Putting yourself in another person’s shoes, you can try to comprehend what they are going through.
COMPASSION OF RECOGNITION When tragedies like this happen, no one is immune. It doesn’t matter your background, gender, status or nationality. These unfortunate circumstances can happen to anyone at any time. In times like these, people from all walks of life unite to help each other. We drop judgment, knowing we are no different. We all cry the same tears and when we embrace our differences, we are all one.
COMPASSION OF TRUTH There is no sugar-coating these traumas. They are real. They will take time to process and get through, and the imprint upon us may last a lifetime. We may live our lives differently moving forward and we need to accept our realities as it is necessary to heal.
COMPASSION OF POSSIBILITIES Each of us will move forward, and life will begin again. It may not feel like it when we are in the middle of a difficult time, but people are resilient. Inside each of us is a beautiful spirit that seeks to rise and overcome our challenges. Often, we find a strength we didn’t even know we had and look to the future, even in the darkest hours.
I reflect on my life at the moments when the floor fell out from underneath my feet and I am so grateful for the people who shared deep compassion for me. These people lifted my spirit when I could not lift my own. May you always see with the eye of your heart and have the kindness to share it.
