Today's MOZEN: The Power of Compassion

F LoBuono

Because of the proliferation of Social Media (it is estimated that in 2019, nearly 2.8 billion people will use it*), we are exposed to the almost endless variety of emotions that make up the human condition. From the sublime to the absurd and everything in between, we observe ALL of the things that make us different while at the same time experiencing the core values that make us the same. We bear witness to wanton cruelty AND transcendent grace - usually with one immediately following the other as we scroll through any one of the social media platforms we choose to use.

And, it never ceases to amaze me that both traits can be attributed to the same species!

Most of us, but not all, are shocked by some of the deviant and abhorrent behavior that we see on the Internet. If it truly shocked ALL of us, it wouldn't happen. But, it does - most of us cannot conceive of hurting an innocent child or helpless animal, yet we see it every single day. It is virtually impossible to peruse Facebook or Instagram and not be exposed to some horror. I can only rationalize that people who perpetrate these deplorable acts have themselves been abused to the point of completely losing their moral compass.

So, for the great majority of us who receive no sick pleasure from posting such vitriol, what are we to do when we encounter such depravity? Most of us feel powerless to effect direct change for what we are witnessing. After all, how can we change a horrible situation that may have happened thousands of miles away and if not for the miracle of the Internet, we would not even have knowledge of? We can shake out fists all we like. We can even access a little angry "emoji" to express our outrage. Or, we can simply hide our heads in the sand and ignore the reality of what is happening.

But, what can we do practically to fight back?

Well, because of time and distance, our response may not be direct. Still, that doesn't mean we don't have any options.

So, the best way that I know how to counter the effects of cruelty is to practice copious amounts of compassion.

Of all of the positive human emotions, compassion, in my mind, is the most effective in combating malice because it does not judge - it enables us to move forward with kindness and without prejudice. It does not force us to ask WHY? - it compels us to ACT. We do the right thing simply because it IS the right thing to do. As basic as this sounds, it can be a difficult concept to master because it is countered with other, also human emotions like anger, greed, jealousy, and, in particular, fear.

Perhaps, the so-called crisis at our Southern Border is the best example. The President has created a climate of fear: rapists are coming. Gangs are crossing into your neighborhoods. Drugs are flowing in with them. Now, none of these claims have been proven to be true. But, it has been an effective policy for this Administration. Even though it may not be accurate many believe it to be so. Capitalizing on the fear created, our Government's response has been draconian at its best with the separation of innocent children from their families being its worst.

Those who support the policy shout "blame the parents, they are the ones who put their children at risk". And, "they know the rules. They got what they deserved." And, here within lies the judgment that I spoke of - they must suffer because they broke the rules.

Those who practice compassion are, in a sense, blind to the causes of the migration and, instead, focus on what can be done to alleviate the suffering of those caught in the maelstrom. They don't question WHY they are there but, rather, focus their energy and efforts on what can be done to make the situation better for ALL.

This is the power of compassion. It raises us to a higher level of awareness - one in which the path to true enlightenment is clearly marked.

However, just like magic and faith, you have to believe for it to work. You have to trust that your compassion serves a higher purpose. The reward may not be direct, but you must accept the concept that ALL of the deeds that you do, no matter how small, contribute to the greater good for ALL. And, that my friends, is enough.



*https://www.statista.com/statistics/278414/number-of-worldwide-social-network-users/