"Peace does not mean an absence of conflicts; differences will always be there. Peace means solving these differences through peaceful means; through dialogue, education, knowledge; and through humane ways." -- Dalai Lama
This post is not about a political story or a politician. It's about being human in all people with compassion struggling to understand this devastating, senseless war and the invasion forced upon the Ukrainians.
The headlines are grim. The world is more bitterly divided than in living memory, the rhetoric more heated and political. Hardly a day goes by without news of violence and the devastating war between Ukraine and Russia: attacks, shootings, murders, protests, threats, or other equally dark news.
It's easy to react with bitterness or anger, and it's easy to lash out at the other side or some group we deem responsible for the latest tragedy.
Of course, it can be hard to show compassion in the face of events like these. So how does one go about doing that? It takes more effort than simply being willing to "walk a mile in the other person's shoes." It takes a genuine effort to understand where others are coming from and what's driving their thinking, feelings, and actions, which can have devastating consequences.
One thing is clear. This is not about turning the other cheek or simply accepting abuses that get heaped on us or a nation. And a world. It's about being brave enough to restrain anger and respond with compassion rather than with rage, even in the face of those things.
What specific things can we do to ease those people's suffering? Let's not forget that the "innocent people of both Ukraine and Russia do not want this senseless war."
Sometimes, that can be as simple as being willing to lend a sympathetic ear or a shoulder to cry on. At other times, something more may be appropriate. The first, best thing you can do is keep your anger in check and focus on soothing the hurt when, where, and as you are able.
The Story of Being There for Someone
The power of simply being there for someone should never be understated.
In the video, the soldier (fresh from the war) saw a person in need of human company and decided to be there for him. The older man mistakenly thought the young man was his son, but he was incorrect.
The young soldier realized the value of being there for people in need. He knew that it does not matter who you are, what nationality you are, or what you believe, and humans are humans.
We can see this happening in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. People are opening their hearts and homes to the Ukrainians, desperately attempting to flee this horrific war for their lives.
The neighboring countries are providing shelter, a new home, food, clothing, and so much more because they know that they must be there for the innocent people of Ukraine.
Desperate situations and circumstances can bring out the best in people. In such scenarios, we forget the color of our skin, the passport we hold, and our religious beliefs. All we see are our fellow human beings who need help, and we feel privileged to be in a position to help them.
No matter how much money you have (or don't have), kindness is a gift you can always afford to give.
So, let's remember to be there for our fellow humans and treat them as we would want to be treated. Imagine what you would have done if your family members were among those innocent souls!
"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." -- Dalai Lama
Comments(38)