“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.”

Mother Theresa

What is compassion?

Compassion is having kind feelings toward someone who may be hurt or troubled. It is caring deeply and wanting to help, even if you don’t know the person. It comes from the ability to take another’s perspective, to imagine what that person may be feeling or thinking.

Why practise it?

When people are hurt or troubled, they often feel isolated and alone. Without compassion the world can be a judgmental and lonely place. Compassion helps us to be understanding of others and ourselves.

How do you practice it?

Compassion begins by noticing when someone seems sad or troubled. Put yourself in their place and ask how you would feel if it were happening to you. Think about how you can help. Take time to listen, and then say kind things like “What are you sad about?” and “How can I help?” Be forgiving when others make mistakes. Be a friend when others need one.

In Action:

What would compassion look like if:

• You see an injured animal on the side of the road?

• There are people in your neighborhood without warm winter clothes?

• Your family knows of someone in need?

• A new student is lonely and feels left out?

• Your brother’s best friend just moved away?

For Reflection at home:

What does compassion feel like inside?

When have you felt compassion for someone you didn’t know?

What does it feel like to be lonely?

Name some organizations whose core principle is compassion.

*C.A.R.E.(Citizenship, Attitude, Respect, Esteem)

is a character education program that uses monthly themes to lead lessons, discussions, and activities that develop pro-social skills and attitudes within the community, highlighting the virtues of citizenship, positive attitudes, respect for self and others, and the fostering of authentic self-esteem. Replacing the traditional approach of “anti-bullying” programs, C.A.R.E. endeavours to help students seek healthy relationships and to develop virtues within themselves that enable them to be good citizens of solid moral character.