Passion For Others

Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else’s skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too -- Frederick Buechner

 This quote brings me so many questions. 

I wonder if the author meant that it is fateful that you'll feel 'what it is like to live inside somebody else?' Or did he simply mean fatal as relating to the definition of destructive? I personally think it is enlightening to feel what others are experiencing. It's a rare and spiritually fulfilling thing to be connected with someone enough to bond their vibe with yours. 

It feels perfectly normal to me to refrain from making contact with others through eye contact and gestures such as smiling, using manners and being polite. But then at some point I realize I've isolated others by my own doing and that's why I'm lonely at the moment.  The desire for companionship and - compassion for sure, usually doesn't take long to subside.  It's easy to resume the cycle of noncommunication. 

These days though, I'm feeling that when I go out of this house, I'm presenting my self and my image of who I am to the universe. I need to continue on in an upbeat attitude with smiles for everyone. It's easy to remind myself how atrocious it is that others are not as fortunate as I am. At this moment I am a productive lady of society as I pay my taxes, I vote, I work as security, and I volunteer. I'm happy, healthy, safe and loved. That is what puts my mind at ease. All I can do is worry about what I can control.

I must deem appropriate behaviors that bind well with which circumstances and I must excel at that. I have to tend to my responsibilities as a human so therefore, I cannot think about everyone all over the world and their situations all of the time. If I could, some might consider me as Godly and that I am not. But I do feel its necessary to assume that I spend a valid amount of time praying for, researching about and advocating with those who are in need of assistance. 

I'm hoping others will look around this holiday season especially, the winter months, and see the abundance of help wanted all around them. It doesn't just come through a form of money, but your rewards extend much farther than material belongings. I'm looking forward to spend some time with the elderly this fall and winter to ensure they keep busy as well as donating time in the Toys For Tots event here in K.C. 

There's plenty of work to go around, we just need more kind, beautiful souls willing to give some effort to the game!as always blessed be, you're loved and most appreciated for reading and contributing feedback if you so choose. 

Love, Light & Peace,

Jolee Summerville