The Most Powerful Force in the Universe
Image, for a moment, a power so profound that it has the potential to dissolve all barriers, overcome all obstacles, and reunite all that has been separated.
This power indeed exists, yet it is not the nuclear strong force that holds atomic nuclei together, the electromagnetic force that binds atoms into molecules, nor the gravitational pull that governs planetary orbits…
It is a power far gentler, yet infinitely more impactful…
It is the power of compassion.
Reflections on the role of compassion as a force for positive change
"Kindness is the light that dissolves all walls between souls, families, and nations."
—Paramahansa Yogananda
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Compassion can be thought of as an empathetic awareness of suffering paired with the strong desire to alleviate it.It is at the heart of genuine understanding, and it allows us to wholeheartedly connect with ourselves and others.
That being said, to truly extend compassion outward, we must first direct it towards ourselves.
As Dr. Wayne Dyer famously taught, "You cannot give what you do not have. Only orange juice can come from an orange." In other words, by cultivating self-compassion, we create a consistent supply of energy within ourselves that also enhances the lives of others.
By showing ourselves compassion, we begin to understand our past and where we’ve come from with greater depth. Gradually, we become familiar with the parts of ourselves that we've subconsciously hidden away, reuniting with them, and in doing so, becoming Whole.
Ultimately, this is what people mean when they speak of healing: becoming Whole, Solid in ourselves, or confident in our own skin.
Self-compassion might look like taking time to reflect on particular emotions like anger or resentment — not as feelings to suppress, but as parts of us with messages that need to be heard. We may even learn that these emotions are guiding us to recognize our core values or to set clear boundaries. (Click here for a ‘how-to’ guide)
Through this practice, we also begin to dissolve mental and physical tensions that we may have been holding onto for years, allowing a sense of calmness, openness, and freedom to emerge.
From here, we can truly overcome barriers of fear, extending these qualities outward and becoming able to genuinely empathize with those around us.
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“The highest form of knowledge is empathy, for it requires us to suspend our egos and live in another’s world.”
—Plato
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By dissolving our own inner restrictions through compassionate reflection, connecting with the surrounding world becomes effortless. We soften and become receptive to the emotions of others.
This is our ability to empathize — to genuinely feel what another person is feeling.
Then, when we feel the suffering of others, compassion naturally builds within us, like a dam filling with water, waiting to overflow. We feel an overwhelming yearning to help the other person.
In this way, compassion is truly a kind of inner force that builds within us, driving us to alleviate the suffering of others.
We are propelled forward to perform acts of kindness —
offering a listening ear,
providing an affirmative touch,
or holding space with an open heart.
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“We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know.”
—Carl Rogers
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Acts of kindness like deep listening offer us the great opportunity to take a genuine interest in the other person. They provide an intimate glimpse into the vast landscape of their inner world, prompting us to ask:
“Who is this person at their core?”
“What are they truly wishing to express?” and
“Which feelings and emotions are guiding their words?”
Gentle acts of kindness like this forego judgment, creating an environment of unconditional acceptance. In turn, this fosters a sense of safety and comfort for everyone, allowing us to genuinely understand one another on the deepest of levels.
Ultimately, these acts reveal the essence of our shared humanity:
They remind us that the needs for love and compassion are universal — that everyone on the planet longs to feel connected to Life through love, joy, and well-being.
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"Our task must be to free ourselves... by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty."
—Albert Einstein
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With an understanding of our shared humanity, we’re naturally more inclined to make sacrifices for the well-being of others. We become ready and willing to embrace a life path of personal growth, community efforts, and cultural movements.
This path of service ultimately circles back to self-compassion:
By taking time each day to nurture our own well-being, we become more able to give fully to the world around us, creating waves of kindness that uplift all people and benefit all of Life.
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May we harness the most powerful force in the Universe — compassion — for the service of all Life.
Max Kristopher Komes
www.MaxKomes.com
Max Komes is a Master’s-level Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern operating under licensed supervision in Pensacola, Florida. His philosophy is that each and every individual holds wellsprings of wisdom within them, and with the right tools, can access this wisdom to live purposeful, healthy, and resilient lives.
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This writing is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you have imminent health concerns, please call 1-800-NAMI.
