Compassion

The most common understanding of the word “compassion” is;

“The ability to empathize with the suffering or hardships of others and the desire to alleviate that suffering. It involves recognizing the pain or difficulties someone else is experiencing and responding with kindness, empathy, and a genuine desire to help or support them. Compassion goes beyond simply feeling sympathy or pity; it involves a deep understanding of another person's emotions and a willingness to take action to ease their suffering or improve their well-being. Compassionate individuals often demonstrate qualities such as empathy, kindness, generosity, patience, and forgiveness in their interactions with others.”

In my work to try to define the Naturacend human being, I feel more comfortable with a slightly different definition:

My Naturacend definition of “compassion”

“The ability to recognize, respect, and appreciate that each human being has their life tasks to find, and their pathway to walk. And the ability to allow them that without intervention, until they ask for support or help. Even if it may be painful to watch.”

In my opinion, applying compassion, by the Naturacend definition in our daily lives is very beneficial. It reduces the frustration, fear, pain, and helplessness when watching others suffer when they are not yet ready to receive help or support.

Showing compassion this way does not mean empathy and sympathy are excluded. On the contrary, showing empathy and sympathy is very important along with offering help or support, as long as it is made clear that it is an offer and not an attempt to intervene.

Showing empathy and sympathy may be just enough for the person to start gaining control of their suffering, by simply feeling they are not alone, and that when they need support, the support will be there. At the same time, they may feel seen, respected, and empowered to grow, instead of risking being manipulated or controlled by others.

The reason why I want to redefine “compassion” instead of creating a new word that fits my definition better, is that I find it not very beneficial to try to intervene in other people’s suffering. The main reason people want to intervene is to feel better themselves. There is nothing wrong with feeling good about being a support for others. But the person who asks for support should be the main reason, and feeling good about giving support should be the consequence of giving that support. Not the reason.

Support and help should only be offered, and then given when asked for.
By being consciously aware of the Naturacend definition when showing compassion, I believe it will be easier to prioritize the person who asks for help before our own needs to feel good. In my opinion, this is a more healthy approach for everyone involved.

What do you think? Please share your opinion in the comment section below.