SHOW COMPASSION

Compassion is more than just a feeling. Showing compassion means that we not only notice what others are going through but are moved to help them.

Even though we were created to be compassionate, we are imperfect and tend to be selfish. Sometimes it may not be easy for us to decide whether to help other people or to focus on ourselves. It is always good to show compassion. Here are few reasons why we need to show compassion:

1. Mental-health experts say that showing compassion can improve our health and our relationships with others
2. When you help those who are suffering, you will feel happier, more hopeful, less lonely, and less negative.
3. Compassion will help us to be better parents, marriage mates, and friends.
4. People who show compassion to others usually receive help when they need it.

There are many ways to show compassion. Here are few ways:

1. Be considerate
   Be equally considerate to friends, family and strangers. Listen fully without judgment, and give each person your full attention (no texting, no phone calls, no seeming to be bored!) – use direct eye contact and keep your ears open to their needs.
   
   
   
2. Be affectionate
   Sometimes all people really need is a loving touch, a sincere hug, or a warm smile. Simple gestures of affection, even a pat on the hand, help ease strain and show your genuine compassion.
   
   
   
3. Communicate in a warm way
   Let your genuine interest in helping the other person show through heartfelt communication. You can make a world of difference by simply listening and talking in a warm, patient manner. Use encouraging vocabulary, be optimistic and concentrate on showing complete understanding.
   
   
   
4. Show empathy
   Empathy is showing that you understand another’s feelings or emotions; you identify with the situation and care enough to place yourself in another’s shoes. “I understand” is a great way to communicate this.
   
   
   
5. Be selfless
   To help someone else you have to take your own needs out of the equation. Put your focus and energy on the other person, be selfless, and limit any distractions or personal goals as long as you are committed to the needs of another. 
   
   
   
6. Practice acts of kindness
   Go out of your way to be kind.  You can treat someone to small things like a new book, frozen yogurt, or just a laugh to brighten even the toughest of days.  You can also volunteer your time, offering to baby sit, run errands, etc. for anyone with a lot of weight on their shoulders.
   
   
   
7. Send a meaningful message
   Send compassionate feelings via a simple text message to someone you care about.  Just tell them you were thinking of them and you love them.  A simple way to show they matter to you.
   
   
   
8. Show unconditional love
   This is a total approach towards showing compassion in every area of life.  Don’t just hear, but listen without judgment, be extremely present in the conversation, give sound advice, offer your hugs and love freely. Be understanding and above all, love unconditionally.