WHEN WE ARE UNITED, THINGS WILL CHANGE
Let's Create a World of Engaged Compassion
TOGETHER WE CAN MOVE THE WORLD FROM MORE TO BETTER
A quote to reflect on:
“Compassion without action is just feeling sorry for someone.
Best way to judge if someone is compassionate or not;
If someone always talk compassion and doing nothing, that is hypocrazy”
Someone who is really ready to help other people, particularly the poorest section of people or the needy people,
then we can say, THAT person is a really compassionate person”
Dalai Lama
Compassion vs. Engaged Compassion
What is the difference?
Compassion and engaged compassion are terms that, while closely related, embody different levels of emotional and behavioral involvement in the context of responding to others’ suffering.
Understanding these distinctions enhances our ability to connect with and support others more effectively.
Defining
Compassion
Compassion is an emotional response that arises when we perceive another person’s suffering and feel motivated to help alleviate that suffering.
It involves empathy, understanding, and a deep sense of care.
Compassion typically includes:
- Emotional Recognition: Acknowledging and understanding the pain or difficulty another person is experiencing.
- Empathetic Concern: Feeling a sense of empathy that connects us to the other’s emotional state.
- Desire to Help: Wanting to take action to reduce or alleviate the suffering, though this desire does not always translate into concrete actions.
Compassion can be a powerful and motivating force.
It encourages us to offer support, provide comfort, and show kindness to those in need.
However, it may not always lead to direct or sustained action.
Defining
Engaged Compassion
Engaged compassion takes the foundational elements of compassion and extends them into active, deliberate, and sustained efforts to address and alleviate suffering.
It is compassion in action, characterized by:
- Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking out ways to help and support those who are suffering. This could involve volunteering, advocacy, or other forms of direct intervention.
- Sustained Effort: Commitment to ongoing actions and initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of suffering, rather than offering temporary or one-time assistance.
- Systemic Approach: Understanding and addressing broader systemic issues that contribute to suffering, such as social injustice, inequality, or environmental degradation.
Engaged compassion is not just about feeling for others but is deeply rooted in taking responsibility and being part of the solution.
It moves beyond the personal and individual level to encompass community and societal efforts to create positive change.
Key differences between
Compassion and Engaged Compassion
Levels of Action
Compassion:
Involves a desire to help that may or may not translate into direct actions.
Engaged Compassion:
Involves taking concrete, proactive steps to alleviate suffering and promote well-being.
Scope of involvement
Compassion:
Can be limited to individual or situational responses, often in a personal or immediate context.
Engaged Compassion:
Extends to broader, systemic efforts and involves sustained commitment to addressing underlying causes of suffering.
Focus
Compassion:
Primarily focused on emotional connection and support at an interpersonal level.
Engaged Compassion:
Combines emotional connection with strategic, long-term actions that can include community organizing, policy change, and advocacy.
Impact
Compassion:
Provides immediate comfort and emotional support.
Engaged Compassion:
Aims for long-term solutions and systemic change, potentially leading to a greater and more lasting impact.
How to develope and cultivate
Engaged Compassion
To act with engaged compassion, consider the following 6 guidelines:
1. Educate yourself
Understand the root causes of issues that evoke your compassion. Lool for tools to support your efforts. Knowledge empowers effective action.
2. Volunteer and Participate
Get involved with organizations and initiatives that address these issues. Your time and skills can make a significant difference.
3. Advocate for Change
Use your voice to raise awareness and advocate for policies and practices that promote justice and well-being.
Be a force for good.
4. Sustain Your Efforts
Commit to long-term involvement. Engaged compassion requires ongoing dedication and resilience. Share what you have learned with others.
5. Cultivate Your Own MBS Balance
When you feel grounded and in a balanced state of wellbeing – physically, mentally and emotionally – you are more capable to act and help with engaged compassion.
Maintain you inner balance on a daily basis
6. Stay Neutral
Act with non-judgement. The person you are helping must feel respected, heard, and empowered to address their own needs and challenges.
Respect everyones freedom of choice and treat everyone equally. Create a safe and supportive environment.
We are all human beings
These 6 guidelines have been converted into concepts and programmes for caregivers and managers in the healthcare industry.
The guidelines and tools are universal, and therefore applicable for all industries.
Please reach out if you want to learn more about Engaged Compassion.