Selfishness and lack of empathy and compassion is one of the main curses of this world

Simple enough stuff, but a lot of people simply don't get it yet, so they just look after number one. Love, empathy and compassion would make everything else easier.

yes it would..it would almost be paradise

and those that arent are too often viewed as fools and treated as such

^^THIS^^

Sad to say but I find that to be true of myself and most people I know. My dog has more compassion than most people.

Hi Wildhoney

This is a thought provoking topic.

It does get disheartening seeing all the trauma and pain being acted out in the world around us.

The challenge we all face individually I guess, is to focus on reducing our own narcissism, thereby becoming ever improving role models who strive towards selfless thoughts, words and actions. The real challenge is in attempting to dispell our own individual shadow without judging the darkness, behaviours or choices of ourselves (in unconscious awareness) or those of others.

By selfless, I don't mean martyr type behaviour or a servile attitude but authentic awareness of who we really are, empowered, self-assured spiritually and able to set boundaries in the face of unhealthy behaviours. All while practicing acceptance and compassion for ourselves and those around us.

No easy feat by any means but surely not impossible. If anyone is interested, check out 'Wetiko' in my signature for more info on the collective shadow we are seeing projected on the world stage.

and probably loves you unconditionally

So many people suffer from Closed Heart Syndrome. Fortunately, it's a curable disease, but it takes time.

Hi :) :hugs:

Thanks for the info..

What it can unfortunately generate I think is copycat behaviour in those that experience it first hand.The tendency to imitate..and become self centered too as a result.

As you say..the trial..spiritual trial..is to not do this..

I think there is a bell curve involved. as everything in nature.

I think it is our hierarchical programming,conditioning and delusion ...that makes many people feel they have the right to be selfish, greedy and/or lack empathy.

Funnily and ironically we are no more special, important or meaningful than any other bipolar expression in this recycling bipolar universe

I think we are so worn down. Aggression pulls us up and away from thinking and feeling deeply and being reasonable people.

I find more often than not I just cut people off.

I absolutely agree with you!

Christ said he who tries to save his life will lose it

I think that means much more than what the words may indicate

its the love of self ..above all else..

imagine a world where love compassion and empathy was the norm..who would need anything? literally anything?

think about it..we would be there for eachother ..all our emotional and physical needs would be covered..and love would flow freely between all people

as it is we have created little fortresses..of Self

some have only one occupant..some have more than one..all clutching eachother..in their fortress shutting everything and everyone else out..not caring..loving themselves either individually or as a group..and finding in that "love" a justification for their selfishness

where is the merit?

then lets be the change

when they hurt us..keep loving

Too many people living in close proximity to each other.

In ancient days you'd live in a tribe or small village with probably less than 40 people or so, for the most part. You could respond authentically and compassionately to each and every one because you'd be able to feel their essense, know them as individuals.

When you pack 30 million people into a single city like rats, they will never reach that type of intimacy with the people around them. Nor can they afford to, emotionally, in a place that contains both beggars and billionares within spitting distance of each other.

We took a wrong turn at the Agricultural revolution.

for who cares what the world thinks...

lets be the world we want to see born...

dont let the hurt harden your heart..keep smiling..and loving ..and shining

let your silence be your voice

I agree..we are worn down..possibly more than previous generations because there is less love
If you speak to the older crowd they will probably tell you how they were there for the ones in need..how people looked out for eachother..how nobody locked their front doors etc..

things have changed..and we are the victims of this change

but there is a place where we can be free..and that is within ourselves..

let that place be a place of love and let that love shine..not expecting anything in return

and when they hurt you..pray for them..pray and pray

Maybe ..but I think its more than that..
Ill give you two examples
1.Two of my grandparents lived in a big city..yet neighbours looked after eachother..my grandparents for example..looked after a single mother with 5 children..and fed and clothed them and paid their bills for the rest of their lives..till all 5 kids were grown up and independent..because thats the way people were..

2.My other grandparents lived in a small village..people were all family and looked after eachother..people visited without announcing..no body locked their doors..it was all family..now that same village..people are shut away watching TV..and envy and jealousy rules..

I agree, God created us to love one another and serve one another. Defying these universal laws is the reason for the great upheaval and earth changes right now. The earth is now in alot of trouble now because of what humans have done.

we are doing this to eachother..we have been given paradise and we have created hell

the earth and nature responds..

You are a recovering Cathar...embrace it.

I hav eheard said often..oh so and so..or they are using you etc...

does it really matter?

does it?

in the eyes of God you are behaving as Christ would

what did He say about if they ask you to walk a mile?

or if they ask for your mantle?

common sense?

is the kingdom built on common sense? or on love?

What about the buying of a sword part?

And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
41
If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
42
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

1
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
15
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.