Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. — Buddha
Archive for Inspiration
Widen your circle of compassion
“Our task must be to widen our circle of compassion, to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” — Albert Einstein
This is similar to yesterday’s post, but the message bears repeating. Can you find common ground with someone you’re currently at odds with? Is there something you can do to show greater compassion toward animals? The earth?
Inspire generosity
Many people think one has to be wealthy in order to be considered a “philanthropist.” Not true. The definition of a philanthropist is simply a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, by the generous donation of money to good causes. Perhaps it’s that word “generous” that trips people up, because “generous” is often used synonymously with “sizable.”
George Resch writes a blog called I Found Money Today. George leaves $5 bills in random places around his city for other people to find, whenever he has a few bucks to spare. I’d call that philanthropy, and mighty generous, wouldn’t you?
What simple things can you do to inspire philanthropy?
Compassion is not weakness
“Frequently people think compassion and love are merely sentimental. No! They are very demanding. If you are going to be compassionate, be prepared for action.” — Desmond Tutu
Compassionate people are sometimes seen as being weak, or passive. This couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s easy to bury one’s head in the sand and ignore others’ suffering. A compassionate person recognizes suffering, and works to alleviate it.
Has your compassion ever been mocked or criticized?
A heart full of grace
“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
In the English language, the word “grace” has many meanings. The word can describe a person’s elegance and poise, refer to prayer (many people “say grace” before meals), imply a sense of propriety or benevolence toward others, or even describe a state of sanctification by god.
What do you think the late Dr. King meant by “a heart full of grace”?

