Recently, we talked about empathy, which is the ability to imagine what it is like to be someone else, what it is like to mourn and rejoice as another. Today, we want to discuss another important topic — compassion.
What is Compassion?
Compassion is empathy combined with the genuine desire to alleviate another person’s suffering. While empathy focuses on imagining what it’s like to be someone else, compassion involves taking it a step further by stepping up in an actionable way to assist someone in need (Berkley.edu). Think about it this way: empathy is imagining what it’s like to be homeless; compassion is handing a homeless person a new winter coat with cash in the pockets.
Why Should You Be Compassionate?
The simple answer is that being compassionate is the right thing to do. As Albert Einstein said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” However, compassion also is good for your health. Compassion increases happiness and longevity while reducing stress (Psychology Today). Therefore, the long answer is you should be compassionate because it’s the right thing to do, and it’s good for you.
How to Be Compassionate
To be compassionate, you have to reach out and help others. You can’t just think good thoughts toward them as you might if you were only being empathetic. Here are five ways to be compassionate:
1. Cook a Meal for Someone in Need
If you have busy friends and family members or know someone recovering from an illness, cook them a meal and deliver it. By doing so, you’re meeting both a physical and emotional need. The food will nourish your recipient’s body while stirring up joy.
2. Make a Care Package
Care packages are a great way to offer help. You can personalize them to each situation. If your friend lost her job, you could add gift cards for groceries and clothes. If you want to help the homeless, you could include basic necessities like vitamins, razors, socks, etc.
3. Clean Someone’s Home
Elderly neighbors and ill acquaintances can’t necessarily keep up with basic housework; yet having a clean, safe home is imperative for these vulnerable individuals. You can make a big difference in someone’s life with only a bottle of Windex, a Swiffer, a vacuum, and some Clorox wipes.
4. Visit People in the Hospital
Anyone who’s been in the hospital knows it’s dull and lonely without visitors. Luckily, many hospitals have programs to connect volunteers with patients. When you spend time with hospital-bound individuals, you can brighten their day and make their stay less miserable.
5. Teach Useful Skills to the Less Fortunate
Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to go to college. The education gap makes it hard for some to get higher-paying jobs. If you possess a valuable skill like coding or search engine optimization, offer to teach others for free and help them get better positions.
Final Thoughts on Compassion
Compassion requires more effort than empathy, but it is crucial today in a time of divide and struggle. For more inspiration on compassion, check out our video “Poi Dog Lessons,” featuring Honolulu Theatre for Youth member Maki’ilei Ishihara, who took actionable steps to reduce Asian hate during the pandemic.
