With this week’s word of the week being “compassion,” I’ve been asking myself how this word has played a part in my life and how I can utilize it in the present. I’ve noticed that times of suffering or joy have either lacked or were full of compassion from others, to others and most importantly treating myself with compassion. It’s a word that is tossed around and whose true weight may be forgotten or ignored at times. Let me help ponder the far reach it plays by mentioning a comment from the famous 20th century American scientist and inventor, George Washington Carver.

“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong, because someday in your life, you will have been all of these.” -George Washington Carver.

At the heart of this quote lies a fundamental lesson and truth- we all have similar experiences, suffering and joy and the impact and influence we all play on one another is greater than one can realize. I’m coming to a greater understanding of how integrated serenity, compassion, and awareness. The toxic trait of selfishness that had been so prevalent during my addiction is something that must be quelled. Obviously, I have many areas to improve on and will have times where I might forget compassion, but I hope that if I’m compassionate with others on a regular basis that Universal Karma will pay me a visit during the times, I need it most.