Tag Archives: sharing

Compassion is to share the pain without sharing the suffering

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“Compassion is to share the pain without sharing the suffering.”

—Shinzen Young, American meditation teacher

Image from Unsplash by Paulo Meza

True compassion isn’t about absorbing another’s sorrow, but about being present and supportive.

When someone we care about is hurting, our instinct is often to take on their suffering. Instead, compassion invites us to listen deeply, offer comfort, and walk beside them through their pain.

We acknowledge their struggles without becoming overwhelmed ourselves.

In this way, we become a source of strength and hope, rather than additional weight.

Compassion is a gentle balance — feeling with, not for, another.

It’s a gift of presence, understanding, and love that uplifts the giver and the receiver, fostering healing and connection.

EXERCISE:

Who in your life is in need of compassionate support?

In what ways can you be with them and ease their burden without needing to carry their emotional weight?

“In what ways do you give more to the world than you take?”

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“In what ways do you give more to the world than you take?”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Jon Tyson

‘Tis the season for pot luck dinners, Secret Santa, and all types of generous acts within our communities.

Although it’s always nice to be on the receiving end at these times, it’s even more rewarding to be on the giving side of the equation.

In what areas of your world have you recently observed people sharing their time, resources, and love with others? How have they prioritized the needs of those around them over their own desires and interests?

EXERCISE:

In the coaching profession, it’s often said that the best coaching is a good example.

Who are the “heart of gold” people in your world that inspire you to give far more than you receive?

How can you acknowledge and give them the recognition they most certainly deserve?

 

“I’m hungry to find people who are hungry.”

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“I’m hungry to find people who are hungry.”

—Michael Bungay Stainer, author of The Coaching Habit

Image from Unsplash by Maddi Bazzocco

Going out to eat is a primary pastime during our winter months in Florida.

My preference is to experiment with a wide variety of restaurants and types of food to keep things interesting.

One of my favorite places to go for lunch is an Asian buffet called Chow Time.

Our good friend Mitch has a robust appetite for both food and stimulating conversation. It’s nice to have our hunger satisfied beyond the many items being served over the numerous hours we spend in each other’s company!

EXERCISE:

Who are the people in your life that feed your mind and nourish your soul?

How can you spend more time with these special people — perhaps over a delicious meal?

Friday Review: Sharing

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Friday Review: Sharing

How open are you to sharing your life, your possessions, your wisdom, and your pain? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“Leave a little behind.”

 

 

 

 

“If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.”

 

 

 

 

“Ideas, bread, and books are all the same. They’re better when they are shared.”

 

 

 

 

 

“You can attract luck simply by sharing your work publicly.”

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“You can attract luck simply by sharing your work publicly.”

—James Clear, author, entrepreneur, and photographer

Image from Unsplash by Phil Hearing

Who are some of the luckiest people you know? What do they do for a living? How did you happen to learn about their work? Where and when did you observe a public appearance of their level of skill and mastery?

Where else do you see a correlation between perceived luck and the willingness of people to offer their work, art, music, and physical capabilities on a public stage?

How lucky have you been in your personal and professional communities? To what degree have you gotten up to bat and swung away, over and over, until some of your strike-outs became hits, and even a few home runs?

EXERCISE:

Where is it time to come out of the shadows to share your work publicly and increase your luck?

“Ideas, bread, and books are all the same. They’re better when they are shared.”

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“Ideas, bread, and books are all the same. They’re better when they are shared.”

—Seth Godin, American author/business executive

Image from DrSeuss..com

Two popular holiday stories we all know quite well are A Christmas Carol, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Both stories portray their main character as selfish and self-centered, focusing only on what’s in it for themselves.

As Adam Grant demonstrates in his well-researched book, Give and Take, these characters are definitely takers. They may win in some situations, but lose in the long run.

EXERCISE:

Where and with whom can you generously share your ideas, bread, and books, to have the happiest of holidays and a more richly rewarding new year?

Friday Review: Sharing

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FRIDAY REVIEW: SHARING

How often do you share what you have and what you know? Here are a few sharing-related posts you may have missed. Click the link to read the full message.

 

“Leave a little behind.”

 

 

 

 

“All who joy would win must share it. Happiness was born a twin.”

 

 

 

“A friend is a loved one who awakens your life in order to free the wild possibilities within you.”

 

 

 

Your Story Could Be The Key

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“Your story could be the key that unlocks some else’s prison. Don’t be afraid to share it.”

—Author Unknown

Image of an open book

How many of the following roles do you currently play in your personal or professional life?

•  Parent                      •  Teacher                  •  Coach                 •  Trainer
•  Mentor                     •  Advisor                   •  Consultant           •  Role Model
•  Spiritual Guide          • Trusted Friend          •  Subject Matter Expert

If you selected several, you must have a considerable amount of life experience to share with family, friends, and colleagues who may be experiencing various setbacks and challenges.

EXERCISE:

Although I frequently encourage a “coach approach” to facilitate the internal learning capacity of those around us, please take the wisdom of today’s quote and note when it is time to share your stories and experiences generously as a contribution to those in need.

“A Teacher Affects…”

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“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”

—Henry Brooks Adams, American historian and member of the Adams political family

Photo from Flickr by Anne Adrian

Photo from Flickr by Anne Adrian

Among the core values explored and discussed with my clients is their fundamental desire and passion to contribute to the lives of others.

When we examine the wide variety of roles each of them play in their professional and personal worlds, the opportunities seem limitless.

Who are the teachers, mentors, coaches, and other life supporters who have made the biggest difference in your life? Where have you noticed yourself “paying forward” valuable lessons to those whom you care about?

EXERCISE:

Where and with whom can you share your knowledge, wisdom, and life lessons to influence the lives of others, and more fully realize your unique contribution to eternity?

“If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.”

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“If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.”

— W. Clement Stone, businessman, philanthropist and self-help book author

Photo from Flickr by Alan Levine

Photo from Flickr by Alan Levine

This is perhaps the most appropriate Thanksgiving quote of all time. It conveys the two fundamental ideas for this great American holiday, and this time of year.

“Thanks” is a simple word expressing gratitude for all our blessings.

“Giving” expresses love and genuine caring, which always comes back to us two-fold, and gives us even more reason for gratitude.

EXERCISE:

Take a moment today to explore exactly what Thanksgiving means to you, and feel free to share your thoughts. I’d be very thankful if you do!