The Future of Compassion

   Seeing compassion in the acts of those around us and noticing opportunities to practice compassion in our own lives is one part of the Compassionate Journey.

   Another is to observe institutional changes around us that bode well for the future of compassion.

   Right now that future lies in the educational system, and searches of the Internet reveal a growing number of schools and school districts that are embracing concepts of compassion into their governance and curriculum activities.

   This is infinitely encouraging, since (as the timeworn phrase goes) our children are our future.

   One initiative that has grown in strength over the past several years is institutionalizing anti-bullying, which is one way of teaching compassion. In order for teachers and students to discourage and stop bullying behavior, it takes a recognition of the victim’s suffering. By stopping the abusive behavior, these schools are practicing compassion by acting to relieve the suffering of the students being bullied.

   I am hoping that, hand-in-hand with relieving the suffering of the bullied student, school administrators, teachers, counselors, and parents are being brought in to understand the behavior of the bullies themselves. What is going on in their lives that causes them to mistreat other children? How have they been wounded so that the only way they have to express their pain is to hurt others?

   An article that recently appeared in the Rodondo Beach Patch highlighted Principal Lisa Johnson’s goal of encouraging students “to practice compassion, tolerance, and critical thinking” (http://redondobeach.patch.com/articles/new-principal-spotlight-lisa-johnson).

   Johnson, in the interview, was quoted as saying that elementary school children need to learn “Tolerance and compassion—times are changing. Campuses are very diverse, and you're going to meet so many types of people and you have to embrace those differences. That's one thing that I've noticed on Birney's campus ... students are very caring.”

   Specifically, Johnson cited “The Safe School Ambassadors program is a district-promoted program that tries to prevent bullying and promote caring, compassionate individuals on campus. It teaches students strategies to help prevent bad incidents on campus.”

   The New York City “Flawless Foundation” works to expand educational opportunities and programs for needful youth. On their website, they state, “Most importantly, here at Flawless our main message  is: compassion compassion compassion.  Compassionate care for every child, finding the perfection in everyone, appreciating each mind for the unique gifts it has to offer, celebrating the ups and using the downs as an opportunity to react with love, patience, and empathy.”

   In San Antonio, Texas, elementary school staff have crafted a new vision statement for their school in response to concern over test scores and a need to build community: “The San Antonio Elementary community will fan the flame of curiosity, ignite the desire for discovery, and kindle a compassion for others.” (http://www.dchieftain.com/dc/index.php/news/3869-a-new-vision-for-an-old-school.html)

   The teachers said the new mission is designed to “provide an atmosphere of caring, to promote a passion for learning, to recognize each child's unique qualities, to model responsibility and respect, and to foster a desire in their students to play an active role in contributing meaningfully to the community.”

   These are just a very few examples of the Compassion Revolution that is taking root in communities across American where we have already seen what the opposite can do.

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   For more examples of how compassion is being described and practiced, go to: www.CompassionSpace.com.