A message from Sandy. Compassion and Kindness—-two very human qualities that are highly regarded. It’s probably a good idea that we develop these qualities. These attitudes are said to be excellent because they are the ideal way of conduct toward other living beings. They provide the answers to all situations, they are the great remover of tension, the peace makers in social conflict, and the great healers of wounds suffered in the struggle of existence.

Compassion: Compassion is about recognizing the suffering of others and wishing that suffering would be alleviated. This suffering can be seen in individuals with whom we interact on a daily basis, or it could be on a global level. We feel compassion for our family and friends who are going through a particularly hard time, we can identify with it. We also see the world as it comes to us through newspapers, TV, twitter, and face book and can be appalled by the tremendous amount of suffering that is out there.

Compassion is based on a love and respect for others, irrespective of their beliefs, gender, race, or nationality. We can still feel compassion for others even if we disagree profoundly with their beliefs or actions. Compassion is simply a recognition and a loving response to the perception of suffering.

Loving Kindness: Extending good will, care, and consideration to all beings is something to be developed. Such good will may be easy when it is directed towards friends and relatives, but extending it to all beings without exception can be more of a challenge. Loving kindness can make you a font of well-being and safety for others. Loving kindness is also the attitude of a friend who wants to give the best to further one’s well -being.

If you think about it in a pragmatic way–loving kindness is a necessity. In a world menaced by all kinds of destructiveness, loving kindness in deed, words and thought is the only constructive way to bring peace and mutual understanding. In this way we can develop a better attitude towards others and the world around us. It has to start somewhere, why not with you? Why not today?