Sea of Good Intentions

Two Minute Meditations are voice-enhanced! Click the icon to play/stop, or download Toolvox now!

"I really feel for you being caught in that situation!" "I'm so concerned about that, I don't know what to do!" "Hopefully it will get better over time!"

We live in a time when intention, verbally expressed concern, and stated empathy are the ultimate signs of compassion. If we express it, emote it, and get upset about it, then we've done our job. In reality, we've only demonstrated inactive compassion. Bottom line, it's easier on US feeling sorry for somebody than really helping them.

Inactive compassion is really nothing more than politically correct neglect. Talking about being concerned does nothing to help the person in need. Having feelings of compassion but doing nothing tangible to help only soothes OUR conscience. It does not relieve the need in the hurting person.

Anne Frank said, "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single minute before starting to improve the world." It's true. But it's true only if you start! Instead of asking someone with a loved one in the hospital what we can do, let's do something! A hurting person doesn't need to worry about handing out job assignments. They need someone to see their need and start helping.

Our world drowns in a sea of good intentions. But good intentions don't get anything done. Let's make a commitment to act on our compassion, even if the actions are small. Let's write a note of encouragement, mow a yard, share a meal, give a ride, sit and wait with a hurting friend, go grocery shopping for them, pick up their family from the airport, wash their dishes, do their laundry, wash and service their car, baby sit their children, take them out to dinner, bring magazines and snacks to them in the hospital, mail their bills,.... The amazing thing about small actions is that they add up to big relief. They make a difference. They actually improve the world of the person who is struggling.

Don't just sit there empathizing, make a difference in somebody's world. When you do, you'll find yours got better to. So what are you waiting for?!

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