"The individual is capable of both great compassion and great indifference. He has it within his means to nourish the former and outgrow the latter." ~ Norman Cousins (1912-1990)

Compassion is an opening of the heart to give and receive love. It is a treasure that protects and bestows trust, courage, and inner peace. Compassion gives a sustaining sense of hopeoften when it is needed most.

Small gifts of time and positive energy are the most meaningful and compassionate treasures. We thrive because of the protecting and nurturing love of friends and family while they thrive on our love in return.

Compassion itself is plentiful. As Joseph Addison (1672-1719) put it, "True benevolence, or compassion, extends itself through the whole of existence and sympathizes with the distress of every creature capable of sensation."

Yet sometimes we unconsciously set boundaries for giving and receiving compassion. If we close the heart to giving, we block the flow of compassion with fear. If we set limits on the compassion we are willing to receive, we close the heart to God's extension of love.

Our compassion will eventually touch many people we will never meet. Yet each kindness will open our heart further to receive lovelove that is always available when we trust in God's unfailing wisdom.

We each have special ways of giving and receiving compassion. Think of the ways you have shown and received compassion over the years.

Ask yourself these questions:

Do I have any boundaries for showing compassion?

If so, what happens to bring those boundaries into view?

What would remove them?

Have I, for any reason, set limits on the compassion I will accept from others?

What would it take to open my heart to all the compassion I deserve to receive?

May your life be filled with the most compassionate treasures you could ever wanttoday and throughout the years to come!