Power of Compassion

In "Fields of Compassion," Judy Cannato tells a story of beached whales and how they found their way back to the ocean. A man saw first one, then two, then three whales washed up on the shore, flailing,and called for emergency rescuers. When he realized they would not arrive in time, he waded out to the first whale and pressed his hand on its back until it became quiet and then turned it back toward the ocean. He did the same with the second and third. By the time rescuers arrived, the whales were safe in the ocean again.

It reminded me of the role compassion plays in our lives, how calming it is to lay one's hand or give a comfortng word to someone who is anxious or upset. It could be a person with Alzheimer's, a child throwing a tantrum, or a belligerant teenager. I tend to back away when someone is angry or shaking. It is better to respond with quiet empathy.

In the face of evil and contradiction, a compassionate response can often smooth things out. It has to be steady, consistent, and reassuring. The immediate reaction might be flailing and lashing out, but eventually the opposing force usually becomes calm.

I love the image of huge whales weighing tons becoming gentle with a human touch. It would have been easy to back away with fear at the enormity of these animals. How effective could we be if we could apread "fields of compassion" in a world of despair and violence?