...Another opportunity for deepening... ~ Buddhist thought for the day

"As a basis for change, we need to recognize that as long as we live in this world,
we will encounter problems, things that obstruct the fulfillment of our goals. If, when these happen, we lose hope and become discouraged, we diminish our ability to face these difficulties. If, on the other hand, we remember that not just we but everyone has to undergo suffering, this more realistic perspective will increase our determination and our capacity to overcome troubles. By remembering the suffering of others, by feeling compassion for others, our own suffering becomes manageable. Indeed, with this attitude, each new obstacle can be seen as yet another valuable opportunity to improve our mind, another opportunity for deepening our compassion! With each new experience, we can strive gradually to become more compassionate; that is, we can develop both genuine sympathy for others' suffering and the will to help remove their pain. As a result, our own serenity and inner strength will increase."  

~ His Holiness the Dalai Lama

(from The Compassionate Life)

Every day, it's another headline, another spiral, 

another argument online between sides. 

And I keep looking for ways to make sense of it all;

ways to give despair some meaning beyond hopelessness,

somewhere more opportunities for deepening. 

There are so many arguments 

that may seem to make sense in our rage 

but only add more flame to the fire. 

So.

This.

Compassion. 

This thing that fuels understanding...

this thing that makes us see with our hearts...

that makes us step outside of ourselves...

that gives us a sense of peace.

This. 

(Photo copyright: Kirsten Steen)