Thought for the day - (Compassion) Monday

There are many things in life we could wish for, but one stands out that sets us aside from most creatures and that is compassion. In the animal kingdom the survival of the fittest predominates, the need for food and to breed overrides almost all other considerations. The fiercest animal can be tender and loving to its young and, in some cases, its partner but nevertheless it is merciless in dealing with its prey or rival.

As humans possess a supposed higher intelligence we have a slightly greater range of emotions some of which are not necessary for personal survival. The majority of us like to think we live a calm, kind and caring life and for the most part we do. However, there are occasions when all that is temporarily forgotten and our aggressive side comes to the surface. It’s no good denying it, up it pops every time another driver cuts us up, you hear people swearing in the street, noise, blazing lights, disagreements etc, etc. Dealing with this is not compassion but it is a good lesson in how to control our feelings.

Compassion is much deeper, it’s something that we tend to feel doesn’t apply to us – but it does and it can make a huge difference to others. Showing compassion is not for our benefit, it is very much for those around us or those into whose contact we come, however briefly.

It takes a little thought but there are many simple ways we can make others’ lives just that little more tolerable.

I am a long standing member of a worldwide society that whilst inward looking also understands and practices charity (in the true sense) and compassion. I live a comfortable life but occasionally try to put myself in the position of those less fortunate than myself. I was taught to visualise being in a position where somebody asks me for help when I really have absolutely nothing to give - what would my feeling and reaction be.

I would hope that if I were ever in such dire straights someone would be compassionate enough to help a little – perhaps not for me personally but for my family. When I first visited the USA and Canada some decades ago now, I was horrified to see just how many destitute people live by begging and hand-outs in what you would suppose were highly civilised country. The UK is not exempt from this and we have our share.

In the evenings when I went out for my stroll I used to take a pocket full of loose change and small denomination bills to give to those I thought were in need. I came across an old lady, one evening, huddled in a doorway gradually being covered in flurries of snow with only a threadbare shawl for protection. I could walk by, like most others, but how could I ? I asked a police officer if there were any shelters nearby and he just shrugged and said “yeah but they charge 10 bucks for a roof and meal”. Going to the old lady I pressed a 10 dollar bill into her hand and said “come on mother let’s get you somewhere warm”.

OK so she got a warm bed but I, obviously don’t know whatever happened to her later. Everywhere I went in the great cities of North America, in the evenings, I saw sad people with their Styrofoam cups outstretched the blank hopeless look in their eyes. What could I do ? Effectively nothing – I’m just one person in millions. All I can achieve are acts of random compassion, to imagine myself as that person, begging and hoping someone would see me and take pity.

So people, we can help a little, we can show the compassion that is in all of us and help all those (including animals) to live with less fear and hunger and a little more comfort similar to the way that most of us are lucky to enjoy.

However, don't think compassion needs money, if you have none to spare, then remember that in many cases compassion just needs a kind act, a helpful hand or just a kind word.

If you feel you can help those in need there are many organisation that would welcome an additional pair of hands or good quality warm clothing. It is surprising what you can achieve at little or no expense. Go through your wardrobe and see what good quality clothing you will never wear again. Be ruthless but donate useful clothes - cocktail dresses or damaged or dirty clothes with holes or rips are as useless to them as to you. Don't forget good or new underwear but forget sexy scanties, they need utility wear to keep them warm.