compassion writing essay

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The impact of helping others – a deep dive into the benefits of providing support to those in need.

Compassion is a virtue that ignites the flames of kindness and empathy in our hearts. It is an innate human quality that has the power to bring light into the lives of those in need. When we extend a helping hand to others, we not only uplift their spirits but also nourish our own souls. The act of kindness and compassion resonates in the depths of our being, reminding us of the interconnectedness and shared humanity we all possess.

In a world that can sometimes be filled with hardships and struggles, the power of compassion shines like a beacon of hope. It is through offering a listening ear, a comforting embrace, or a simple gesture of kindness that we can make a profound impact on someone else’s life. The ripple effect of compassion is endless, as the seeds of love and understanding we sow in others’ hearts continue to grow and flourish, spreading positivity and light wherever they go.

The Significance of Compassionate Acts

Compassionate acts have a profound impact on both the giver and the receiver. When we extend a helping hand to others in need, we not only alleviate their suffering but also experience a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Compassion fosters a sense of connection and empathy, strengthening our bonds with others and creating a more caring and supportive community.

Moreover, compassionate acts have a ripple effect, inspiring others to pay it forward and perpetuate kindness. One small act of compassion can set off a chain reaction of positive deeds, influencing the world in ways we may never fully realize. By showing compassion to others, we contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society, one that values empathy and kindness above all else.

Understanding the Impact

Helping others can have a profound impact not only on those receiving assistance but also on the individuals providing help. When we lend a hand to someone in need, we are not just offering material support; we are also showing compassion and empathy . This act of kindness can strengthen bonds between individuals and foster a sense of community .

Furthermore, helping others can boost our own well-being . Studies have shown that acts of kindness and generosity can reduce stress , improve mood , and enhance overall happiness . By giving back , we not only make a positive impact on the lives of others but also nourish our own souls .

Benefits of Helping Others

There are numerous benefits to helping others, both for the recipient and for the giver. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Increased feelings of happiness and fulfilment
• Improved mental health and well-being
• Building stronger connections and relationships with others
• Reduced stress levels and improved self-esteem
• Promoting a sense of purpose and meaning in life
• Contributing to a more compassionate and caring society

By helping others, we not only make a positive impact on the world around us but also experience personal growth and benefits that can enhance our overall happiness and well-being.

Empathy and Connection

Empathy plays a crucial role in our ability to connect with others and understand their experiences. When we practice empathy, we put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and try to see the world from their perspective. This act of compassion allows us to build a connection based on understanding and mutual respect.

By cultivating empathy, we can bridge the gap between different individuals and communities, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity. Empathy helps us recognize the humanity in others, regardless of their background or circumstances, and promotes a culture of kindness and inclusivity.

Through empathy, we not only show compassion towards those in need but also create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and understood. It is through empathy that we can truly make a difference in the lives of others and build a more compassionate society.

Spreading Positivity Through Kindness

One of the most powerful ways to help others is by spreading positivity through acts of kindness. Kindness has the remarkable ability to brighten someone’s day, lift their spirits, and create a ripple effect of happiness in the world.

Simple gestures like giving a compliment, lending a helping hand, or sharing a smile can make a significant impact on someone’s life. These acts of kindness not only benefit the recipient but also bring a sense of fulfillment and joy to the giver.

When we choose to spread positivity through kindness, we contribute to building a more compassionate and caring society. By showing empathy and understanding towards others, we create a supportive environment where people feel valued and respected.

Kindness is contagious and has the power to inspire others to pay it forward, creating a chain reaction of goodwill and compassion. By incorporating acts of kindness into our daily lives, we can make a positive difference and help create a better world for all.

Creating a Ripple Effect

When we extend a helping hand to others, we set off a chain reaction that can have a profound impact on the world around us. Just like a stone thrown into a calm pond creates ripples that spread outward, our acts of compassion can touch the lives of many, inspiring them to do the same.

By showing kindness and empathy, we not only make a difference in the lives of those we help but also create a ripple effect that can lead to positive change in our communities and beyond. A small gesture of kindness can ignite a spark of hope in someone’s heart, motivating them to pay it forward and spread compassion to others.

Each act of generosity and care has the power to create a ripple effect that can ripple outwards, reaching far beyond our immediate circles. As more and more people join in this chain of kindness, the impact multiplies, creating a wave of positivity that can transform the world one small act of kindness at a time.

Building a Stronger Community

One of the key benefits of helping others is the positive impact it can have on building a stronger community. When individuals come together to support one another, whether it’s through acts of kindness, volunteering, or simply being there for someone in need, it fosters a sense of unity and connection. This sense of community helps to create a supportive and caring environment where people feel valued and respected.

By helping others, we also set an example for those around us, inspiring others to also lend a hand and contribute to the well-being of the community. This ripple effect can lead to a chain reaction of kindness and generosity that can ultimately make the community a better place for everyone.

Furthermore, when people feel supported and cared for by their community, they are more likely to be happier and healthier, both mentally and physically. This sense of belonging and connection can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, and can improve overall well-being.

In conclusion, building a stronger community through helping others is essential for creating a more positive and caring society. By coming together and supporting one another, we can create a community that is resilient, compassionate, and unified.

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What Is Compassion and Why Should We Care?

It's not whether pain will show up; it’s how we'll respond when it does..

Posted April 3, 2023 | Reviewed by Michelle Quirk

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• Our instinct is to avoid our pain and side-step other people’s suffering.
• Being there for ourselves will help us better be there for others, and giving and receiving care from others will strengthen us.
• Emerging psychological research suggests that we evolved to be kind, caregiving, and collaborative.

When my son was two, he burned both his palms on an oven door I had left open while making cookies. As I cooled his hands under running water, my first thought was, “It was my fault. I am a bad mom.” But then I caught myself. What my son needed was a loving mom right now. If I was in my head beating myself up, I was only partially there for him. I took a breath and rubbed his back with compassion. To be there for my son, I needed to be there for myself, too. We are connected.

Caring is fundamental to our human nature. Caring for ourselves helps us navigate the little pains like minor parenting mistakes and the big ones like break-ups, illness, trauma , and loss. Caring for others connects us, motivates us to reach out and help, and gives our life purpose and meaning.

When you open your heart to life’s challenges and offer care, you are engaging in compassion.

Even though our brains evolved to care for our own well-being and that of others, many of us find it difficult to stay present and loving when faced with discomfort. Compassion is a skill set, and most of us still need to learn how to better be there for ourselves and care for each other.

We all do things we regret, face sudden bad news, and feel the stress of life’s uncertainty. Compassion is a value that can anchor you and be an active force to help you stay present, engaged, and open-hearted as you move through the challenges of living a human life.

The question isn’t whether pain will show up; it’s how you will respond to yourself and others when it does.

Compassion can feel foreign or challenging for many of us. Our instinct is to avoid our pain and side-step other people’s suffering. For example, do you

• Distract yourself or check out from uncomfortable feelings?
• Criticize yourself when you make a mistake?
• Want to avoid feeling anxious , sad, or angry?
• Look away when others are hurting?
• Have a hard time accepting help?
• Feel disconnected from your body?
• Have difficulty forgiving yourself or others?

Instead of withdrawing from what is painful, with compassion, you turn toward challenges and offer yourself and others your attention and support.

Compassion is a flow. Being there for yourself will help you better be there for others, and giving and receiving care from others will strengthen you, energize you, and offer you a sense of purpose.

Compassion is not a “should” or “ought” but an intrinsic desire to care for others and yourself. With compassion, you have the wisdom to see and understand things as they are and feel motivated to do something about it (Gilbert and Choden, 2014).

Definitions of Compassion

The word compassion comes from “com,” meaning with, and “passion,” meaning suffer . It literally means to suffer together, but compassion moves beyond just suffering. Practicing compassion involves confronting suffering and being motivated to help. Paul Gilbert describes compassion as having two parts:

• Engagement: Turning toward pain and suffering.
• Alleviation: Taking action to relieve pain and suffering.

Gilbert writes,

Compassion calls upon us to engage with suffering by being sensitive and open to it, while also generating the feelings of kindness, affiliative connection and warmth that can soothe and alleviate suffering. (Gilbert and Choden, p. 156, 2014)

For many of us, the word compassion may conjure up images of Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jane Goodall, Thích Nhất Hạnh, and Desmond Tutu—incredible people who devoted their lives to the selfless care and commitment to others' well-being. But there are compassionate people everywhere who are tuned in to the needs of others and taking daily action to be of service. And that includes you!

Consider these for yourself. Have you experienced

• An encouraging teacher or coach who believed in you?
• A friend who offered support when you faced loss?
• A health care provider who stayed calm when you were in crisis?
• A pet that offered a soft snuggle when you were sick?
• You, when you showed up with an open heart for yourself and others?

Although some may dismiss compassion as “touchy–feely” or occurring only rarely, emerging psychological research suggests that we evolved to be kind, caregiving, and collaborative. It’s what makes us human and allows us to be there for each other. As my favorite guitarist and climate activist Jack Johnson sings, we’re "Better Together."

Insight meditation teacher Gil Fronsdal translates the Pali term for compassion, which is Anukampa , to mean “caring.” He says he likes the word "care" because of its double meanings. It means to care for others, to value and appreciate them. But it also means to actively do something for them—to help and support them. Be a caregiver.

Compassion is a simple and basic way of relating to the world. You value caring and you take action to express that care. Compassion is actively protecting, supporting, teaching, and being generous toward yourself and the world around you. It’s a way of showing heartfelt concern for the welfare of all beings.

Compassion looks like this:

• Asking yourself, “What do I really need in this moment?”
• Being sensitive to the suffering of others.
• Offering help because deep down you really care.
• Reminding yourself that everyone makes mistakes sometimes.
• Turning toward difficult emotions with kindness.
• Setting boundaries .
• Speaking up against injustice.
• Being of service to something bigger than you.

Compassion is also a value that emerges as we grow more psychologically flexible. When you are open, willing, and engaged with your values, you may just find compassion is a natural outgrowth of committed action. Your brain and heart evolved to be caring. How can you act on compassion today?

To learn more about compassion and process-based approaches for living well, listen to Diana Hills's podcast Your Life in Process .

Diana Hill, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, co-author of ACT Daily Journal , and the host of the podcast Your Life in Process.

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Emotion: Compassion

The ProWritingAid Team

When you want to write the emotion compassion, it's important to "show" the emotion your character is experiencing through their physical reactions and dialogue, rather than "tell" it. In this article we provide you with inspiration so you can avoid showing emotions and immerse your readers in your story.

Compassion is an emotion that involves recognizing the suffering of others and feeling a desire to alleviate that suffering. It is often described as a feeling of empathy, kindness, and concern for others who are experiencing pain, difficulty, or misfortune. Compassion involves a sense of connection and a desire to help others, whether through acts of kindness, emotional support, or other forms of assistance. It is a powerful emotion that can inspire us to be more caring, generous, and helpful towards others.

Different Types of Compassion

Situations associated with compassion, physical reactions to compassion, thoughts associated with compassion, atmosphere of compassion, verbs associated with compassion, emotions before compassion, emotions after compassion, telling compassion examples to avoid, practical examples of showing compassion, exercises for showing compassion.

Here are some different types of compassion:

• Self-compassion: Showing kindness, understanding, and forgiveness towards oneself.
• Empathetic compassion: Feeling and understanding the pain or struggles of others and wanting to alleviate their suffering.
• Altruistic compassion: Putting the needs and well-being of others before oneself without expecting anything in return.
• Universal compassion: Feeling compassion towards all beings, not just those we know or identify with.
• Tough compassion: Holding oneself or others accountable for their actions while also showing care and concern.

Here are some situations where a character might experience the emotion of compassion:

• Witnessing someone in need or distress
• Hearing about someone's difficult situation or struggle
• Seeing someone being mistreated or discriminated against
• Learning about someone's past trauma or hardships
• Experiencing a personal loss or setback that makes them more empathetic towards others
• Being raised in an environment that values empathy and kindness
• Having a natural inclination towards caring for others
• Developing a close relationship with someone who is suffering

Here are some physical reactions a character experiencing compassion might have:

• Softening of the facial features, such as a gentle smile, relaxed jaw, and relaxed eyebrows
• Eye contact that is warm, soft, and empathetic
• Leaning forward slightly, indicating interest and concern
• Nodding and making affirmative sounds, showing that you are listening and understanding
• A gentle touch or pat on the arm or shoulder to offer support or comfort
• Tears or quivering voice, indicating a deep emotional connection and empathy with the other person's pain or suffering
• Willingness to help, offer advice, or provide resources to alleviate the person's suffering or hardship

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing compassion might have:

• I can't just stand by and do nothing, I have to help.
• I understand what you're going through, and I'm here for you.
• I feel deeply for their pain, and I want to alleviate it.
• I see the good in everyone, despite their flaws.
• Their happiness and well-being is just as important as my own.
• I want to make a positive impact in their life.
• I'm willing to put myself in their shoes and see things from their perspective.
• I can't turn a blind eye to injustice or suffering.
• I feel a sense of connection and unity with others.

Here are some ways that you might reflect the emotion of compassion in the atmosphere of your scene:

• Create a cozy and warm atmosphere, such as a fireplace or candlelit room, to convey a sense of comfort and safety.
• Use natural settings like a park, garden, or beach to convey a sense of calm and tranquility.
• Show characters engaging in acts of kindness, such as volunteering at a shelter or caring for a sick friend, to demonstrate compassion in action.
• Use soft and soothing colors, like pastels or earth tones, to create a gentle and nurturing environment.
• Show characters making eye contact and listening attentively to each other to convey empathy and understanding.
• Use music with a slow tempo or calming melodies to set a peaceful and empathetic mood.
• Show characters touching or hugging each other to convey a sense of physical comfort and connection.

Here are some verbs commonly associated with the emotion of compassion:

• Empathizing
• Understanding
• Encouraging
• Alleviating
• Sympathizing

Here are some emotions that may come before a character experiences compassion:

• Empathy fatigue
• Disappointment
• Frustration

Here are some emotions that may come after a character experiences compassion:

• Forgiveness

Here are some examples of telling the emotion compassion in a sentence. You should avoid things like this:

• She felt compassion for the homeless man on the street.
• He had a deep sense of compassion for his sister, who was going through a tough time.
• The nurse had compassion for the terminally ill patient.
• She couldn't help but feel compassion for the orphaned child.
• His heart was filled with compassion when he saw the injured animal.
• They showed compassion to the refugees by providing them with food and shelter.
• The teacher had compassion for her struggling student.
• He tried to hide his compassion for the enemy soldier, knowing it could be dangerous.
• She had always been known for her compassion towards animals.

Here are some examples of showing compassion in a sentence:

• She held the old woman's hand tightly and listened to her stories.
• He gave his last sandwich to the homeless man he met on the street.
• She took care of her sick neighbor's pets while they were away.
• He stayed up all night with his friend who was going through a tough time.

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing compassion:

• Write a scene where your character witnesses someone in need. How do they respond? Do they offer help immediately or hesitate? What does their inner dialogue reveal about their level of compassion?
• Think about a time when you felt a strong sense of compassion towards someone. Write a personal essay or journal entry about that experience. Use those emotions and observations to inform your character's actions and thoughts.
• Write a scene where your character is faced with a difficult decision that involves showing compassion. How do they weigh the pros and cons? What is at stake for them and the person they are showing compassion towards?
• Create a character who is initially closed off and lacking in compassion. Write a character arc that shows them gradually becoming more empathetic and compassionate towards others. Think about what events or experiences might trigger this change.
• Write a scene where your character is the recipient of someone else's compassion. How do they react? Do they feel grateful or resentful? What does this reveal about their own capacity for compassion?
• Practice writing dialogue that demonstrates empathy and understanding between characters. Use phrases like "I understand how you feel" or "That must be really difficult for you" to show your character's compassion towards others.

Want more help with showing emotion instead of telling? You find more help in our full emotions thesaurus .

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Essay Samples on Compassion

What is the difference between sympathy and empathy.

From time to time, we all experience various hardships throughout our lives. Whether these are minor incidents, or prolonged and profound difficulties that take a little longer to overcome, it’s important that we all support one another in the appropriate way. Understanding that everyone is...

Expression of Sympathy in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley’s gothic novel Frankenstein (1818) is set in Switzerland, Germany, France, England, and Scotland. It tells the story of a wicked creation of a monster. The two main characters, Victor and the creature, both endure many struggles which cause them to do irrational things....

• Frankenstein

"Marigolds" by Eugenia Collier: The Impact of Compassion on People

As a famous actress and activist, Susan Sarandon, once said, “ When you start to develop your powers of empathy and imagination, the whole world opens up to you”. This meaning that through experience, humans can gain empathy to learn many important and beneficial lessons...

How the Compassion Can Improve the Relationships with Others

A lack of compassion can either make the world a little bit better, or it could make the world worse than it already is. There are times it is easy to be compassionate to others, but there are times it is difficult to show compassion...

• Individual Identity

The Importance of Self-Comprassion to Mental Health

With the mental health crisis that is currently sweeping the nation and rising to epic proportions, people need to begin making different choices. As defined by Kristin Neff, self-compassion is choosing Self-Kindness rather than Self-Judgement, Common Humanity over Isolation and Mindfulness rather than Over-Identification. Choosing...

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How Self-Compassion Influences the Ability to be Comprassionate to Others

Self-compassion is the ability to be compassionate and understanding to oneself. Similarly, self-compassion may influence an individual’s compassion towards others as well. Compassion is an important characteristic of the mental health profession. Bowen & Moore (2014) stated that counselor functioning may be impaired due to...

Compassion and Mindfulness in Social Representation Theory

About in 1998-1999, there was a company, named Central Model Agency in Bratislava; they were approaching young “good-looking” people to become models. It was by pure choice of agent to choose someone who would look good on screen. If an approached individual has been accompanied...

• Mindfulness

Balance of Compassion and Effective Healthcare Leadership

This assignment will evaluate the current literature to identify the impact of compassion and compassion fatigue on efficiency. Consideration will be given to the direction and impact of the dark side of leadership, as Schantz (2007) highlighted that for nurses (leaders) to powerfully impact the...

Recovery from Eating Disorder Fueled by Compassion

Compassion is the ability to show empathy, love, and concern for other people with a desire to help reduce their suffering. It is often confused with empathy, and although the two share similar qualities, empathy refers to our ability to feel the emotions another person...

• Eating Disorders

The Significance of Compassion in Nursing: Connecting with Patients

The nursing profession is unique in that it requires practitioners to connect with patients on a deep and meaningful level. Compassion is a vital aspect of nursing practice, requiring nurses to demonstrate empathy and kindness to patients. In this essay, we will explore the meaning...

How To Go Through Life Without Fighting

With all the joyful information there is always a lot of compassion. The festive moments have their share of instant despair. That's life. The encouraging exchange of a pregnancy and the hope of a new life that must be born have an effect that causes...

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Best topics on Compassion

1. What is the Difference Between Sympathy and Empathy

2. Expression of Sympathy in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

3. “Marigolds” by Eugenia Collier: The Impact of Compassion on People

4. How the Compassion Can Improve the Relationships with Others

5. The Importance of Self-Comprassion to Mental Health

6. How Self-Compassion Influences the Ability to be Comprassionate to Others

7. Compassion and Mindfulness in Social Representation Theory

8. Balance of Compassion and Effective Healthcare Leadership

9. Recovery from Eating Disorder Fueled by Compassion

10. The Significance of Compassion in Nursing: Connecting with Patients

11. How To Go Through Life Without Fighting

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The Role of Compassion Essay

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In her book, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, Anne Fadiman explores the experience of a Hmong family struggling through the healthcare system of California. This book can throw light on the challenges faced by these people who have to confront a different socio-cultural environment. This source can be better analyzed with the help of the essay Mother Tongue written by Amy Tan.

This author also discusses the interactions between people who have different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. It is possible to apply such a concept as compassion in order to examine the themes which Anne Fadiman explores in her work. This notion can be defined as the ability of an individual to understand and fill pity for the suffering of another person. To a great extent, this ability is critical for interactions between people who can have different cultural or linguistic backgrounds.

While Anne Fadiman’s this book seems to be primarily related to the impact of linguistic and cultural barriers on the experiences of immigrants, Amy Tan’s essay suggests that their difficulties can be explained primarily by lack of compassion which is essential for the emotional well-being of individuals. This is the main thesis that should be elaborated more closely.

Anne Fadiman’s book is a valuable source that can illustrate the problems which emerge when immigrants have to interact with healthcare professionals. It should be kept in mind that the representatives of foreign cultures often question “the efficiency of Western medical techniques” (Fadiman 23). As a rule, these people “require more time and attention” since the services of an interpreter are needed (Fadiman 25). These are some of the details that should be considered.

This text’s text can be analyzed with help of Ami Tan’s essay Mother Tongue, and this reading indicates that language barriers can significantly impair the experiences of immigrants. This source demonstrates that a person may find it extremely difficult to express his/her thoughts very clearly.

It is usually argued that they speak in “broken or fractured English” (Tan 48). Moreover, it is often assumed that these people think in a primitive way. The author speaks about her mother who also struggled with the language barrier. Many people assumed that “her English reflected the quality of what she had to say” (Tan 48). Thus, one can speak the discrimination against these individuals.

Admittedly, Anne Fadiman also provides numerous examples indicating that linguistic and cultural differences can prevent people from integrating into the society. For instance, the author mentions that medical professionals often have to communicate with teenaged children of patients and discuss such issues as surgery or resuscitation of “a dying family member” (Fadiman 25).

In most cases, such experiences are extremely stressful for family members. Moreover, Anne Fadiman’s book shows that physicians often had “no way of taking a patient’s medical history”; as a result, their choices of treatment could often be questioned (Fadiman 25). Therefore, the emphasis on linguistic barriers is quite justified.

Nevertheless, it is important to remember that this problem is not the only reason why many immigrants can face significant difficulties. In many cases, their hardships can be explained by the inability or unwillingness of many individuals to feel compassion for the problems of others.

In order to illustrate this argument, one should look at the situation described by Amy Tan. In particular, this author mentions that her mother was suspected to have a benign brain tumor (Tan 48). The physicians lost her CAT scan and did not apologize for this mistake.

These people did not consider that she had been very “anxious to know the exact diagnosis” (Tan 49). Nevertheless, they only said that “she had come for nothing” (Tan 49). As a rule, individuals, who are treated in this way, often feel helpless or even desperate. This is why lack of compassion is one of the factors that profoundly affect the experiences of immigrants who are often left to their own devices. This is one of the main arguments that can be put forward.

It is possible to examine Anne Fadiman’s work from this specific perspective. For instance, when Lia was brought to the hospital, she was immediately diagnosed with “early bronchiopneumonia” (Fadiman 26). Yet, the physician did not consider the possibility that her symptoms could be explained by epilepsy (Fadiman 26).

A single conversation with parents could have helped him make the correct diagnosis. However, he did not try to do it. Later, Lia’s parents were asked by to give her certain drugs, and she was almost immediately discharged from hospital (Fadiman 26). Lia’s father was asked to sign the following statement, “I hereby acknowledge receipt of the instructions indicated above” (Fadiman 26).

The physician did not even make sure that parents could fully understand his instructions. This medical worker did not want to make extra effort. So, his indifference is one of the aspects that should be considered. Later, Lia was hospitalized once again, and the physicians made the same misdiagnosis. This is one of the most striking examples that should be considered. Provided that physicians had some compassion for this family, they would have used the services of an interpreter who could speak the Hmong language.

In this way, they could have eliminated the risk of misdiagnosis. Moreover, they might have considered that Lia’s parents felt virtually helpless when they had to deal with healthcare professionals. The main issue is that the physicians were not willing to discuss Lia’s condition with her parents. This is why this child did not receive appropriate medical assistance on time. This is the main problem should not be overlooked by the readers. Admittedly, there were some people who were genuinely willing to help Lia’s parents.

For example, one can mention Dan Murphy who immediately realized how frightened these people had been because they did not know how to help their daughter. Due to his effort, Lia’s parents received at least some support. This example is important for showing how the attitudes of physicians could differ from one another.

To a great extent, these examples suggest that immigrants may face a great number of challenges while trying to integrate into a new community. Certainly, their limited knowledge of English can be the cause of their hardships. However, more attention should be paid to the lack of compassion since this attitude makes their hardships virtually unbearable.

Admittedly, the role of cultural barriers should not be disregarded, but their impact can be mitigated provided that people try to put themselves in the position of one another. One can say that Anne Fadiman is useful for understanding the peculiarities of cross-cultural interactions. In turn, Amy Tan’s essay can throw a new light on the ideas that Anne Fadiman tries to express. These are the main details that should be taken into consideration.

Works Cited

Fadiman, Anne. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures . New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2012. Print.

Tan, Amy. “Mother Tongue”. Across Cultures: A Reader for Writers . Ed. Sheena Gillespie and Robert Becker. New York: Longman, 2010. 46-52. Print.

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What Do You Care About? How Compassion Leads to Dynamic Writing

Language is alive. The written word does not sit inert on the page, black symbols on a white background. It reverberates with the intangible of the human experience—suffering, love, pain, self-seeking, self-sacrifice, indifference, generosity— and also concretizes human experience. Literature rises above the anecdotal to meld the intangible with the concrete. How the writer manages this fusion points to what I call substance .

Substance is not a theme, but it may be the support that structures a theme. It is my experience that this support—the substance of the piece—is compassion. For example, I wrote an essay that discloses the narrator’s extreme apprehension about going to the “celebration of life” of the dead son of a friend. The narrator of the piece describes events and actions that reveal her acute anxiety. But underlying these details is the writer’s compassionate awareness of the narrator’s suffering. The writer walks with the narrator without trying to change what the narrator is experiencing, without making fun of the narrator or any other character. Even if a character’s actions appear ludicrous, the writer never editorializes, never judges, but always remains the compassionate, detached witness who understands the frail humanity of the characters on the page.

This is what I mean by substance.

When I read my own work and that of others, I ask myself: Does the writer have compassion for the character on the page? Does the writer know the character’s life history, background, biography? Does the writer understand how the character has arrived at the point where the story begins? Has the writer somehow entered into the character’s struggle? With the personal “I” narrator: Does the writer portray the narrator’s struggle with an understanding of the narrator’s weaknesses, fears, or defects without trying to control the outcome of what’s happening?

Substance is not writing about compassion; it is writing with compassion so that the reader feels the writer’s authenticity.

Stepping into the minds and hearts and lives of those I encounter is how I learn compassion. A part of a writer’s calling is to notice others and to be the one who strives to understand the human condition. My written explorations can be conducted by my imagination or via observation, but they must be directed toward empathy and eschew ridicule, mockery, and scorn.

Another view of substance is to consider the things you care about, which I call points of reference . For example, one of Wendell Berry’s points of reference is reverence for creation. His compassion for the earth and all who depend on the earth’s bounty gives his writing authenticity. It is the substance of his writing.

Try this exercise as you discern what gives authenticity to your own writing: Sit in a quiet place, eyes opened or closed, pencil and paper by your side. Clear your mind of its busy-ness. Feel your heart space—calm, deep, full of wisdom. Ask yourself: What do I care about? Let the answers arise in their own time and way. Write down the things, concepts, or people that surface in the stillness. Choose one and take ten minutes to write about it.

What you care about is your point of reference, the place where your compassionate nature can grow and flourish. With practice, this point of reference—this “something” that you care so deeply about—becomes the substance that gives authority to your voice via your written words.

All writers make language choices and shape words according to their preferences, style, artistry, and inspiration. Combine your unique voice with substance to make your words a living, dynamic presence on the page. ___

Mary Ann McSweeny is an educator and instructional designer. Her work has appeared in The MacGuffin, Months to Years, So It Goes literary journal , The Baltimore Review, Toasted Cheese Literary Journal , and Highlights for Children . She is the co-author of a series of meditation books published by Liguori Publications.

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Essay on Compassion

Students are often asked to write an essay on Compassion in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Compassion

What is compassion.

Compassion is the feeling of caring for others. When you see someone in trouble and feel the urge to help, that’s compassion. It’s like putting yourself in their shoes and feeling what they might be feeling. It’s more than just feeling sorry for them; it’s about wanting to make things better.

Why Compassion Matters

Compassion is important because it makes the world a kinder place. When people help each other, it creates happiness and peace. It’s like a warm blanket on a cold day. Compassion brings us together and helps us to understand one another.

Showing Compassion

You can show compassion in simple ways. If someone falls, you can help them up. If a friend is sad, you can listen and be there for them. It’s not about big things; small acts of kindness show compassion too. By doing these things, we help make the world better for everyone.

Also check:

250 Words Essay on Compassion

Compassion is when you notice someone is sad or in trouble and you want to help them feel better. It’s like when you see a friend fall and scrape their knee, and you feel sorry for them and offer a bandage or a hug. It’s not just feeling sorry, but also doing something to help.

Being compassionate is important because it makes the world a nicer place. When people help each other, it creates a chain of kindness. Imagine if you help someone today, they might help someone else tomorrow. This way, everyone starts feeling better and happier.

Compassion at School

At school, you can show compassion by being a good friend. If someone is alone during recess, you can ask them to play with you. Or if someone is struggling with their homework, you can offer to explain it to them. It’s about being there for others when they need it.

Compassion at Home

You can also be compassionate at home. This could mean helping your parents with chores without them asking or being kind to your siblings even if they annoy you sometimes. It’s doing little things to make your family’s day better.

Compassion is a superpower everyone has. It doesn’t cost money or take much time. It’s about caring for others and acting to make their lives a little bit easier. When we all use this superpower, we make the world a friendlier and more loving place.

500 Words Essay on Compassion

Understanding compassion.

Compassion is a feeling of wanting to help someone who is in trouble or is having a hard time. Imagine you see a friend fall off their bike and hurt their knee. If you feel bad for them and want to help them feel better, that’s compassion. It’s like having a little voice in your heart that tells you to be kind and caring towards others.

Why Compassion Is Important

Being compassionate is very important because it makes the world a nicer place. When people care for each other, they can make each other happy and less sad. It’s like when someone smiles at you and you feel good inside, so you smile at someone else. Compassion is like a chain of smiles that keeps going from one person to another.

Compassion At Home

You can start showing compassion at home with your family. If your brother or sister is upset because they lost their favorite toy, you can hug them or help them look for it. By doing this, you show that you understand their feelings and want to help. This makes your home a warm and loving place where everyone feels safe and cared for.

Compassion At School

School is another place where you can show compassion. If a new student comes to your class and they don’t have friends yet, you can talk to them and invite them to play with you. This can make them feel welcome and less alone. Being kind to others at school can also stop bullying and make everyone feel like they belong.

Compassion In The Community

Compassion doesn’t stop with people you know. You can also show it to others in your community. For example, you can help an elderly neighbor carry their groceries or make a get-well card for someone who is sick. Small acts of kindness can have a big impact on others and make your community a better place.

Learning Compassion

Challenges of being compassionate.

Sometimes, being compassionate can be hard. You might be busy, or you might not want to share your things. But even when it’s tough, it’s important to try to be compassionate. It’s like a muscle that gets stronger the more you use it. The more you practice compassion, the easier it becomes.

The Joy of Compassion

One of the best things about being compassionate is that it makes you feel good too. When you help others, you get a warm feeling inside. It’s like when you give someone a gift and you see their face light up. That happiness you see in them can make you feel happy too.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Home / Essay Samples / Life / Compassion / Practicing Compassion: Its Role in Everyday Life – Personal Reflection

Practicing Compassion: Its Role in Everyday Life - Personal Reflection

• Category: Life
• Topic: Compassion , Feeling , Personal Experience

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