kindness

The Power of Compassion

The Power of Compassion

Have you ever witnessed someone, even a stranger, having a difficult time and felt as though you should help them in some way? Our website defines this feeling as compassion; in other words, it is “the emotional experience of seeing another's suffering and being moved to try to alleviate that suffering.” Unfortunately, we do not need to look far to find human suffering. At the same time, there are many profound examples in the world of how another’s compassion can meet this suffering. 

The Impact of Pausing for a Small Moment of Awe

The Impact of Pausing for a Small Moment of Awe

          Is there a time that made you stop and take in what was happening due to feeling a sense of vastness, wonder, or a loss for words? I had one of those moments when I was seven years old. The Winter Olympics were happening, and my family was very invested in watching the various events. One evening, we watched the women’s figure skating event. Michelle Kwan, one of the top figure skaters for the U.S., was getting ready to do her skating routine. I remember that once she started, I was entirely consumed by her performance. All my attention and energy were focused on her and her skating. I had never seen anyone skate like that. I was blown away. Her skating inspired me, and I still love to watch figure skating. But what I was feeling that day all those years ago was awe.