Facebook Compassion

A few days ago a Facebook friend posted this on his status:  "Has anyone else noticed that some people here only use their Facebook page as a constant cry for help or venting mechanism but not much else. No good news, no constructive revelations and never anything fun. It's like their life is one bad status update after another." He was welcoming comments about his post. My friend got 68 comments and lots of "likes."

Most of the comments were not favorable, and in fact many were in downright flaming angry agreement with him. I think he was surprised at some many of the comments made by his friends. My belief is that he didn't post that because he wanted others to agree with him. I'm sure he was somewhat saddened at how his friends felt about "needy" people on Facebook. Certainly it was an interesting and telling compassion check of  his "friends."

This was my response to my Facebook friend:  "Perhaps a different point of view... My way to peace started with kind thoughts for myself. That took a while. And I do that now. That leads to kind thoughts for others, no matter where they are in life. I see their words, their pain..., their love, their fear, and their loneliness as different sides of good living. Some don't yet see the beauty of their darkness, and some only see light. Their fearful darkness is just their not knowing. Not knowing can be a very frightening thing. Accept their fearful ways. When you see their pain, you're just seeing yourself. Seeing yourself in others is also a very frightening thing. Love them for their darkness, and their light. Love them and love life with all of their distressing ways. Reality is never too big for an open heart and open mind. Take care."

Only one other person wrote something even remotely close to that out of 68. She said it more eloquently than I did with all of my humble comments. All the other responses were just his friends agreeing with him, and seeing themselves in each of their own self-distressing ways.

The young woman spoke with her heart, her spirit, and her loving grace. I have a deep respect for the woman who isn't even my Facebook friend. She showed her light quietly, and sweetly with only one word:

Compassion...

She's a bright loving spirit on Facebook.

Be kind to yourself... Always...

With many warm regards this season, and also everyday...

TC,
Michael

Copyright (C) 2010 by Michael G. Hesley
All Rights Reserved