We all have such a capacity for compassion, empathy and kindness and this is never more evident that when we are faced with personal tragedies or bear witness to global catastrophes.

Although we wouldn’t wish any kind of hardship on anyone, it is beautiful to watch the generous outpouring of love that extends to those in need – to strangers – thousands of miles away, yet neighbours in a world where we are so interconnected.

It is in these times of crisis when the issues we may be individually facing seem relatively insignificant – it’s almost as if the trials or disharmony that prevailed in our own lives have disappeared, we see our leaders all rising above the fray and the generous caring and concern that lives in each one of our hearts as human beings is ignited.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this was always the case – where the ostensibly altruistic virtues of kindness, compassion, love, empathy and generosity of the human spirit was a constant way of being?

I believe that time is not as far away as we might think.

We needn’t wait for an illness, personal conflict or world event to bring us to our soft, open and compassionate heart…the truth is it is always there and we have the opportunity to connect and be more conscious of this capacity within us everyday in our lives.

An awareness of when we are not in our compassionate heart is a great first step to reconnecting to it – no matter what situation we may find ourselves within our personal relationships, our families or our careers.

As this awareness grows, we will begin to experience life differently and recognize that what is in us is also in everyone else. We will be able to see that the negative behaviours and reactions in others only exist because they aren’t connected to their compassionate heart in that moment.

Let’s remember to connect to ourselves everyday so that we can be the reminder for others when they forget, supporting the messages of peace, harmony, unity and oneness that are resonating all over the world.

Author's Bio: 

As an author, speaker and awareness coach, Jo-Anne Cutler has become a passionate voice for children by building the awareness of what we are teaching them by our example and following her vision to inspire and empower others to be the connected parents, teachers and role models our children need them to be. She has created an audio program called Breaking the Cycle, is in the process of writing her own book, is a certified coach using The Inner Workout™ program and is also the manager for the Colleen Hoffman Smith who created this technique. Jo-Anne is also the author of several published articles, co-author of 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Vol. 2. and 101 Top Child Development and Parenting Articles. She offers personal, telephone and e-mail consultations, seminars, and a free monthly e-newsletter, opening hearts to the harmony that we all desire in our homes, our classrooms and in our lives; one connection at a time. Please visit www.jcconnections.ca or www.theinnerworkout.com/JoAnneCutler.html for further information.