Compassion

Compassion is defined as the deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it. It can also be the awareness of the suffering of one's own self with the wish to change it.

How we can show our young yogees how to be more compassionate? Compassion doesn't have to be huge gestures or overtures; It can be as simple as seeing someone who needs help opening a door and opening the door for them. If your children see you do this they will follow your example. When a child is made aware that someone else needs help, this is the first step to teaching compassion. Through yoga, we teach our children to be aware of their everyday surroundings. When we teach them to stop and take a breath, this is actually teaching them to look around and to be present. Today, we seem to do everything for our kids. We love them. However, if we do not give them an opportunity to notice what else is going around them, then we are not promoting awareness. Without awareness how can they have compassion? When children are young, it is the little things like opening a door or even saying " bless you" when someone sneezes. As time goes on, our children/yogees will grow to make a difference in the world when they are compassionate. For instance, they may not just notice there are hungry people on a street corner, but rather may try to help because they have learned compassion for what these people may have to endure.

"What the world needs now is love, sweet love." Our jobs as adults is to teach children that in times of crisis, it is an opportunity to love everyone; To love the people we feel for, the people we care about and the people who make a difference in our lives. To love those we don't like or have disagreements with. Whoever that may be, a best friend, a child, a niece or a stranger, sending love to others and practicing with an open heart will help your children understand compassion. Lets' all try to make a difference this month in someone else's life. Please take the challenge; you will be glad you did.

remember to think good things

remember to say good things

remember to do good things

and for this month..... remember to love all things