Compassion Exercise

In a book entitled “ReSurfacing: Techniques for Exploring Consciousness” Harry Palmer proposes the following very simple, but powerful exercise. I believe with all my heart that if we each practiced this exercise as much as possible, we would find the Haskayne School of Business to be a place where we all find health and happiness.

This exercise can be done anywhere where people congregate, and seems ideal for consideration throughout our building or any place where we see each other. Focus on any person for the exercise:

• Step 1 – with attention on the person, repeat to yourself, “Just like me, this person is seeking happiness for his/her life.”
• Step 2 – with attention on the person, repeat to yourself, “Just like me, this person is trying to avoid suffering in his/her life.”
• Step 3 – with attention on the person repeat to yourself, “Just like me, this person has known sadness, loneliness and despair.”
• Step 4 – with attention on the person, repeat to yourself, “Just like me, this person is seeking to fulfill his/her needs.”
• Step 5 – with attention on the person, repeat to yourself, “Just like me, this person is learning about life.”

The book goes on to recommend that the exercise be done on your family, friends and even old enemies or antagonists. The point is to recognize that we all have joys and face challenges in our lives, most of which are not shared at work, but nevertheless impact how people are prepared, or unprepared to cope with the challenges of each day.

Compassion and support for one another will make our work home a safer and more comfortable place for all of us.