On Friday, February 20th, all around the world thousands of people came together to write, tweet, sing, paint and speak out in the name and practice of compassion. The idea started a couple of months ago when several bloggers were sharing ideas of gratitude and began wondering what would happen if they gathered a 1,000 (or more) voices together to write about compassion and focus on the good in the world. On that day, compassion and #1000Speak showed just what can happen when thousands of us come together for good. And at the core of that compassion, I can’t help but believe it all boils down to the spirit behind the word Namaste’.
Have you heard the word Namaste’ before? While it is becoming more and more common, especially if you take yoga or study eastern religions like Buddhism or Hinduism, it remains somewhat fringy for many people. But simply put, the word Namaste’ means, “The spirit in me acknowledges the spirit in you.” It is normally said with a slight bow and palms facing one another next to your heart. And although it is a Hindu word and relates to their particular view of “spirit,” the word Namaste’ actually applies regardless of what religion (if any) you practice. Again, the idea behind it is that the highest and most noble part of me, salutes and acknowledges the highest and most noble part of you.
When I first began thinking of what I would write about compassion, I immediately started digging through my bookshelf and researching on the Internet. I came up with some really great quotes like:
“The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings.” ~Thomas Merton
I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures. ~Lao Tzu
“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” ~Jack Kornfield
“I would rather feel compassion than know the meaning of it.” ~Thomas Aquinas
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” ~Dalai Lama
“A human being is a part of the whole called by us ‘universe’, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” ~Albert Einstein
“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” ~ Pema Chödrön
And while all these great thoughts about compassion add to the puzzle of what makes for a compassionate life, they are mostly just fingers pointing at the bigger spirit behind compassion. That’s why, after spending some time contemplating compassion, I realized that if I could get in, and stay in, the consciousness of Namaste’, I would experience compassion in each and every thing I do.
Do I live the consciousness of Namaste’? Not enough. Much of the time I’m distracted, busy with something, or just plain tired. In those times I forget who I am, forget 
who others are, and lose myself in the thought that I am a separate, unconnected physical being. But whenever I take the time to pause, slow down, and remember, feel, and acknowledge my own Spiritual nature, then I am able to look into another and see the same there. Then when I feel the God energy within me, when I know the Source of my Being, and see the same in others, how could I not act in the most compassionate way possible?
I’m aware that most people think of compassion as service to others. Definitions abound that say compassion is meeting another where they are emotionally, physically and spiritually. But while kindness and empathy are critical to living a compassionate life, unless I am willing to come from a place of Namaste’, I just might be projecting my lack thoughts, my fears, and my terror onto another rather than truly seeing the Spirit within them as a place of Light and Perfection.
This does not deny that there are some very challenging, difficult and downright terrifying experiences happening in the world and to different people at this very minute. But when I go to that place of Light within myself that I truly believe exists, perhaps the very best I can offer another is to see that same Light within them. Acknowledging all others in such a clear and true fashion might be the most compassionate thing possible.
Every single writer, singer, artist, speaker and fellow #1000 Voices of Compassion has shared their unique perspective on Compassion with the world—adding to the global good. But something I’m sure we will all agree on is that the time for more compassion is NOW. If my perspective about compassion works for you, let’s each take just a moment today (and every day) to practice compassion for each other, compassion for our planet, compassion for every living being—by radiating the spirit of Namaste’ around the world. Regardless of how you define compassion, know that it is SMART to recognize the power of collective wellbeing however and where ever we find it.
For thousands of more posts and thoughts about compassion go to:
Hey Kathy….Well Namaste is the combination of two words and that is “Namas” and “te”. Where Namas mean to bow and adoration, te means to you. So by adding the term it means bowing to you. Thank you so much for this post.
Hi Rohan! Thank you for providing the origin of the word in Sanskrit. It has definitely been around a LONG time and carries deep meaning and significance for many people. ~Kathy
One cannot be compassionate toward others until they are wholly compassionate towards themselves. Thanks for reminding us the basics of taking care of ourselves and others.
Namaste
What a wonderful post–“Namaste”–I am going to keep that word in the forefront of my consciousness today–I definitely don’t do it enough!
Hi Jane! I’m glad you liked this one. And yes, remembering the idea behind Namaste every single day is so very important. ~Kathy
Namaste in earnest is a wonderful thing. What an amazing day for the internet community to embrace.
Walking the talk is always a challenge in our busy lives, but stopping to think about compassion, what it really means and how we can practice it that day is a great discipline.
I couldn’t agree with you more Kathy. The main problem being that there’s some many sad cases all around us everywhere we go that i think we have to learn to be a little blinkered to it or we would be swallowed up . But as long as you have it in your heart then you will be there for the people you are connected too in your daily life when the chips are down .
And on a separate note “What a great post” its so refreshing to stumble across a bit of compassion on the internet .You dont realise how rare it is until you see a post like this .
Hi Steve! Thanks for your thoughts on this. I agree that there are a lot of sad cases around the world but I also happen to believe there are even more amazing and wonderful cases as well. It REALLY help IMHO to focus on the good rather than the sadness. I actually believe that when I come from a place of peace and contentment that I am able to be of help and service to others much more than when I’m consumed by tragedy. And I believe the same for others as well. I’m glad you found the post refreshing and encourage you to seek the good and you might be amazed at how much of it is out there. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
I have known this word ‘Namaste’ all my life, used it innumerable times but I have to confess that I have never tried to go beyond its general connotation, which is just like greeting others – the way you say ‘hi’ or ‘Good Morning.’ I think this meaning has been coined by the those who have tried to popularise Yoga in the western world. I am glad this simple word of greeting others, has been interpreted in such a meaningful manner…connecting the spirits!
Thanks for the enlightening thoughts.
Your post inspired me to write an affirmation on my daily calendar that says “The Spirit within me is a place of Light and Perfection.” (By the way, if you’re looking for a desk calendar that provides an uplifting, peaceful message every day of the year, I would recommend “Don’s Sweat the Small Stuff” calendar by Richard Carlson, Ph.D. This is at least the third year in a row that I’ve bought it.)
Namaste Kathy, in India we say it all the time.. and somehow have become accustomed to it as just another word in our language 🙂 so your post is a kind of a reminder to us as well.. Happy to play in the waves of compassion in the ocean of internet and share my take through a story on compassion..
Soulful – I belong to you, you belong to me
Hi Roohi! Thank you so much for stopping by SMART Living and sharing thoughts on Namaste. I’m SURE that you are much more familiar with the word than I am but I love it because it is unique and special enough for me to remind me of what I truly long to remember. And I must also go to your blog and check out your contribution to #1000speak. ~Kathy
Namaste !! Kathy it was nice to read your post, thanks for defining this word, its a common word for us in India, and we very often use without much thinking, I will try to use this word with gratitude, and truly acknowledging the other person ‘s spiritual existence …thank you for sharing
Hi G Angela! Namaste to you too! And I’m sure you have a deeper understanding of the word than the majority of us westerners. But as you say, even when you do it is so very easy for us to take ideas for granted when they become routine. Taking a breath, pausing and going within is always good when we move out in the world , regardless of the word we use. But Namaste is unique enough for me to really remind me of its importance. ~Kathy
This world could certainly use more compassion. It seems that we’ve lost sight of how we are all interconnected and how much our personal happiness comes from shining our light on others. I, too, get distracted in my day-to-day life and forget to slow down and acknowledge the unique energy of others. Thank you for writing about compassion and being a voice for the spirit of Namaste.
Hi Janis! Yes it was certainly a good day for compassion. There are so many GREAT ideas about compassion on the link at the bottom of the post that I’m certain that we helped moved a little consciousness on the planet. And it all begins with us individually remembering! ~Kathy
I like your perspective on compassion, Kathy. So many times we look for it on the outside when we need it for ourselves or ways we can help others. But, you’re right, in looking inside. That’s where love, empathy, compassion, all originate.
Hi Pat! Nice to hear from you and thank you for your comment. I know you are familiar with the word after reading your blog but if you’re anything like me you can use the reminder for sure. Yes to love, empathy, and compassion! ~Kathy
You’re welcome, Kathy, and I always welcome these reminders. It’s easy to forget given the daily challenges we face. A simple word that says so much. I’m happy to come over and hook up with you again. 🙂
I found you! I’d never heard the word Namaste before. But I think I love it. I think true compassion is a tough row to hoe. It’s painful. It’s inconvenient. And when we need it the most we’re at our worst. It’s definitely an area in my own life that needs a whole lotta work. Gotta add it to my list! Great post.
Hi Kathleen! I am so happy to know I’ve introduced you to a word that says so much with just a couple of letters. It reminds me that everyone I encounter is Holy and so is each one of us. And while things get messy in the everyday world for sure, there is a place much deeper and more “whole” than that. Of course we are all “works in progress” but sharing posts and coming together around compassion is a great reminder to highlight the good. ~Kathy
I love how you relate compassion to namaste, a word I’ve always loved during yoga class and out in the world. We need more of it, and putting it into practice is being renewed today with the #1000Speak movement.
Namaste to you, Kathy, with many thanks for being you!
Namaste to you Cathy! Yes, when I thought about it I realized that namaste was such a great way to approach the topic and I can ALWAYS use the reminder myself. Like a mantra, namaste always brings me back to Center. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this AND your post about compassion. Together I really think we are making a difference! ~Kathy
Thanks for the great post. I love the idea of Namaste and acknowledging the spirit that exists in us all. It is indeed what compassion is all about.
Hi Meg! Thank you for stopping by SMART Living and sharing your thoughts AND link for compassion. I’m excited that so many of us are getting involved and helping to focus on this important topic. ~Kathy
What a wonderful thing to write about. When I walk each day, I pray. In my daily life I watch out for others and offer them support when I can. My husband volunteers helping the homeless. Compassion is the way we will save the disenfranchised. Thank for your words. #1000vocies of compassion is a profound idea.
Hi Beth! I think it is such a great thing when a bunch of us get together to help put energy and attention on something that is so enriching for us all. Thanks for checking in with me and every single thing that you and your husband do to help make it a better world. It takes every single one of us for sure. ~Kathy
Thank you for reminding us with this post to become centered again and regroup, especially during those busy times in our lives when we become so busy that we lose the bigger picture. Great post!
Hi Christy! Thank you for stopping by SMART Living and sharing your #1000Speak with all of us. (it definitely sounds like a perspective I want to go and read!) May our thoughts and ideas about compassion go around the world today and reach everyone who needs to hear the message. ~Kathy
Kathy, I love the word Namaste. To me the word sounds like what it means. Your point about not projecting our fears onto others hit home. I have never thought about that before. Thank you!
Hi Donna! Thanks for pointing out that part of not projecting onto others when practicing compassion. I think we sometimes forget that sometimes (not always of course!) that we think we are helping others out of the goodness of our own hearts, but are really just covering up something deep inside that also needs healing. To me namaste is an unconditional giving that I strive for. And yes to your great perspective on Compassion on your blog as well. ~Kathy
Thank you so much for this beautiful post. I decided years ago that compassion was the greatest virtue, and you have just reminded me of why that is so in such a clear compelling way. And I’m glad also to have an explanation of Namaste. I had seen the word and wondered. Now I will remember it, and repeat it.
Hi Carol…and Namaste to you! Yes! Isn’t compassion such a clear example of love in action? And for me the word Namaste so clearly brings that home. Thanks for your comment. ~Kathy
That is so true. You have to be at peace with yourself to feel compassion towards yourself and others. Great post.
Hi Rena! Thank you! I’ve already been over to yours and loved your perspective as well. (good quotes too!) ~Kathy
Beautiful. I love this approach– and the quotes. I am participating in 1000 Voice of Compassion, too. Namaste.
Hi Lisa! Yay! Glad to hear you are you wrote your own piece for today. I’ll have to pop over and read it for sure. I so believe we can work together to grow the “good” on the planet. ~Kathy
I do practice yoga as well, and Namaste at the end is such an important part of the practice. I wish we all could incorporate Namaste into our daily lives — how much more understanding we would be of others. I love that the Internet is flooded with words of hope today, including yours!
Hi Helen! Isn’t it awesome that we are spreading compassion (and the spirit of Namaste!) around the world. I loved your example of how compassion helped make your so much better on your own blog. I’ll bet all of us have an example we could share as well. It’s such an important topic! ~Kathy