I think it’s fair to say, we are raised to feel compassion for others who are suffering. For some, it’s just part of their DNA and for others, it might require a more intentional approach.
At our best, we feel compassion for the suffering of others and as a result, extend our hand to help others in need.
But if there is a chink in the proverbial armor, it is in our ability to feel compassion for our own suffering. We are taught to suffer in silence, suck it up, deal with it. And if you’re from NJ, to ‘fuggedaboudit’ and move on.
There’s a flaw here. Shouldn’t compassion begin with our suffering? In my experience, men pretty much suck at it. We need to wear the cloak of invincibility. But it’s not true, no one is. There are times when we feel lousy, lack inner strength, are directionless and unhappy.
Perhaps a place to start is with compassion. Acknowledge how you feel, where it’s coming from (if you can identify it), and reach out to a trusted friend to share it. Women are pretty damned good at sharing their feelings; we need to catch up in that department. Especially in identifying when things aren’t so great.
Any thoughts?
