Monday, November 30, 2009

On Compassion



“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” 
~ Pema Chodron

15 comments:

One Prayer Girl said...

This picture and this quote touched me deeply. Thank you for sharing them with us.

PG

Carlos Gesmundo said...

As the flower is pure, so must "compassion" be. If it is selfish or calculating, it is not compassion.

Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord said...

What a great quote by a great lady (and author). It reminds me that I cannot see outside of myself what I do not see inside. It also reminds me that I am comprised of both shadows and sunlight.

Shadow said...

didn't realise this until i read this. and so right that is!

Anonymous said...

Love that quote! Exactly! Only when we accept our own faults can we accept those of others.

Unknown said...

...your story made me sad, even if you do not know about me -right now I have visited your blog, cause you are a Metamorphosi's fan-today she tells about...compassion. It's really true that the first day we were born is also the first day we were dying too; life teaches us constantly and the pain will sew together with our little big gains. I'll give you my best wishes for a happy time, which can be expanded as the feeling of heaven and life that you express. Hug

A stranger friend

Unknown said...

Dear friend, just a mistake above these lines...the comment was directed to the blogger "Life in second half", your friend...sorry, bye

Mimi Lenox said...

Thanks for "following" me. I've just now found my way to your blog.
Ths is a lovely quote and close to the page in any relationship.

Nice to make a new acquaintance.

Brian Miller said...

wow. love that quote...

Felicitas said...

PG - It touched me, too. I'd never quite thought of compassion in this way before.

Carlos - You are so right!

Megan - Pema Chodron is very wise. The better we understand ourselves (the dark and the light), the easier it is to relate to others.

Shadow, Em & Brian - Right on!

Ermanno - Don't worry about it. If ever you post something you didn't mean to, just click the trash button in the bottom left corner.

Mimi - I'm happy to "meet" you as well. I love your blog!

Anonymous said...

This one is well worth remembering... yes, very thought provoking. I love the quote and the gorgeous picture!

Felicitas, I can not tell you how much your encouraging comments mean to me... you're just awesome!

Felicitas said...

Roxy - Thank you, as well, for your kind words. You are a beautiful soul and I'm very glad that we've connected!

Kathleen said...

What a gorgeous image to go with this lovely quote from Pema! Such a beautiful blog you have here!

Felicitas said...

Thank you, Kathleen. I've had a lot of fun putting it together!

Bubba said...

Pima is a wise lady. I've always liked her messages.