Instead of recognising the differences between yourself and others, recognise what you have in common. We all need food, shelter, and love. We crave attention, recognition, affection, and above all, happiness.
Reflect on these commonalities you have with every other human being, and ignore the differences.
Compassion exercise
There’s an exercise you can try when you meet friends and strangers. Try thinking the following and see where it leads you:
- “Just like me, this person is seeking happiness in his/her life.”
- “Just like me, this person is trying to avoid suffering in his/her life.”
- “Just like me, this person has known sadness, loneliness and despair.”
- “Just like me, this person is seeking to fill his/her needs.”
- “Just like me, this person is learning about life.”
Source: Zen Habits
Message supplied by: Rich @ Respect Yourself
