Empathetic Compassion
Our current world is filled with uncertainties. Some have lost jobs, educational methods are totally altered, doctor’s visits are done electronically, and shopping has become more internet involved than ever before.
With this state of being and living--- how do we maintain relationships? How can we learn from each other if we can’t even be together? How do we teach our children the way to interact with other children and even adults, when there is no interaction?
I remember many years ago when we were doing some traveling in our RV, we stopped at a resort which was largely older seniors. Our young son (then age 14) was with us at the time and he became the ‘love’ of the community. He swam laps with an older lady simply as a companion; he played a game of cards in a hall of ladies who gave him pennies to play, after they taught him the rules; he chatted with the maintenance people; and interacted with each person according to their needs and abilities. It was amazing to watch the relationships build, especially since we were only there for less than a week!
I read recently about a lecturer who ran a contest, to which he was the judge. His goal was to find the most caring child! While that seems odd to me, it’s also interesting. I have the belief that children are naturally compassionate and often their leanings toward ‘nastiness’ is something learned, although I know that’s not always the case and just part of their personality —-and that the idea of ‘me and mine’ is something every child and parent must work through.
The winner of this particular contest, (and I have no idea how it was run or any of the particulars,) was a four-year-old who comforted an elderly neighbor. When asked by his mom what he said to him, the child responded, “Nothing, I just helped him cry.” (I tried to find the source of this story and the only thing I could find is in part of a book “Life Lessons, the Journey” by Wade Yarchan).
The empathy of the small boy touched my heart. At a time when physical human contact is discouraged, it demonstrates that there is nothing greater to impact another person, than other physical human contact. It’s how we were created. Don’t misunderstand, I get the idea of staying safe and away from those who might make us sick, because they are sick. But to totally isolate us from each other as healthy individuals, to me, is cause for concern—at least for those of us who are all about the hugs and nearness of other folks!
So I’m curious, has there been a time when you or your child entertained (or was entertained) by an adult who was the most unlikely companion? My son’s interaction with those folks at the resort, from my perspective, was totally unlikely! They were retirees who seemed to me, wanted to be with other retirees, not a young teenaged boy; yet he was able to relate to them and they in turn, invited him into their circle! This is life as it should be.
I hope you’ll share if you've had any similar experience!
Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/basket-blur-boy-child-208087/