1. Project Wisdom Project Wisdom #16 Jan 22, 2014 Practicing Compassion

2. Good morning, South Seminole. This is Mr. Bess, Assistant Principal Compassion is an interesting word. It comes from two Latin words that together mean “suffering with.” In other words, when you have compassion for someone, you suffer with them. A compassionate person feels the pain of those who suffer from being bullied or being hungry or being ill. And because he or she feels that pain (or can imagine what it feels like) there is a desire to reach out and help in some way. Like all good qualities that human beings choose to possess, having compassion helps others, but it also helps the one who is compassionate.

3.  Wise leaders from across the globe and across the ages have understood this. The Dalai Lama, leader of Buddhists worldwide, says it this way:  If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.  If you want to be happy, practice compassion.*   Today, remember this: Everyone benefits when we are compassionate with one another. With something to think about, this is Mr. Bess. Make it a great day… or not. The choice is yours.

4.  What impact would there be in our homes, in our schools, in our communities and the world if people everywhere were taught the importance of compassion? Give specific examples.  Do you agree with the idea that we choose to be compassionate or not? Explain.