As you develop a more compassionate attitude, you feel less anxiety, while your determination and self-confidence increase. – Dalai Lama
Do they look anxious, or do they look determined and self-confident? That can make a big difference when on is in the hospital, as well as in the rest of life.
What does that mean?
This quote is about the benefits of developing a more compassionate attitude. The claim is that there will be less anxiety, more determination, and greater self-confidence. From my experience, it appears that these things do happen.
As you are more able to be more compassionate, both with others and with yourself, there is a natural tendency to feel less anxious. For me, it seems because of flexibility in my expectations, the ability to roll with whatever happens, and the ability to understand that sometimes stuff happens.
It also seems to follow that your determination will increase, as compassion allows us to roll with the changes and conform (and subsequently surmount) the obstacles that are just a part of life. Similarly, it allows to be confident that despite setbacks, things will work out.
Basically, lack of compassion tends to make us brittle, which leads to anxiety, timidity, and lack of confidence. The presence of compassion leads to a level of robustness, allowing us to release our anxiety, remain resolute and determined, and be full of confidence, despite life’s obstacles.
Why is having a compassionate attitude important?
A compassionate attitude is a much broader concept than simply compassion for an individual. A compassionate attitude, in my opinion, includes compassion for every individual, whole groups of people, as well as compassion for ourselves and for all involved in any situation.
To me, the idea that it is an attitude towards all is the most important aspect of the quote. For me, it’s easy to have compassion for one person at one time and place. It’s tougher to go from a specific instance of compassion to a general attitude of compassion.
However, as you begin to make that change and look with compassion (not pity, there is a difference) on everyone in every situation, your life will begin to change. Being able to generate a true feeling of compassion can really make a difference in your life. The more you can get compassion to pervade your life, the better life becomes, for the reasons listed in the quote, as well as many, many others.
Where can I apply this in my life?
As I was writing that last section (at the dressed rehearsal for a dance recital), a group of preschool level dancers was up. Complete chaos, including one who simply froze and cried. I could feel compassion not just for the little girl who was crying, but for everyone involved, from the teacher to the parents and the others on the stage.
I’ve been on stage before, so I am familiar with the anxieties that accompany it, and can feel a very deep compassion. I’ve also been a helper behind the scenes, and am a parent of a performer, so it’s easy for me to feel compassion on all levels.
While compassion might not cure every source of your anxiety, I found it an interesting exercise to think of things that make me anxious and write them down. Yeah, not a lot of fun, but it can be enlightening. What I found was that a lot of my anxieties were related to fear or worry.
How did your list turn out? Now look at each of the items on it and consider how the level of anxiety might be reduced with some compassion. Where would the compassion need to go, inward or outward? To an individual, a group of people, or to a concept or idea? Do you feel at least a little less anxious already? I know I did.
Try the same thing for areas in your life where you aren’t as determined as you might think you should be. Are you too hard on yourself or others? Make a list and then see if compassion might be of some assistance. Now try the same exercise for the areas in your life where you lack self-confidence. How confident are you feeling now? Did you get at least a little boost?
Are you the only person on the planet with anxieties, or difficulties with determination and self-confidence? I didn’t think so. If you can generate a little compassion for yourself, as well as for others, I believe your life (as well as the lives of those around you) will improve. Give it a try, what have you got to lose?
From: Twitter, From: Twitter, @DalaiLama
confirmed at : it’s from his own feed…
Photo by kathryn in stereo
