Dear UUSS~

For the past few weeks we’ve talked and written about compassion… how it is part of many of the world’s religions, and we might practice compassion for ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbors, and even those who we find challenging.

Today, we have been thinking about reports of increasing harshness in interactions, and the communal cost of a lack of compassion. Customers yelling at staff in restaurants, patients becoming angry when trying to schedule a medical appointment that is months out, or parents berating teachers when they learn that their child will, again, need to quarantine.

Frustration grows. The onslaught of losses that are continuing to compile during this time are wearing people’s patience thin. This month’s theme reminds us we can choose to breathe, and respond with compassion. Compassion invites us to begin with ourselves, to notice when we are feeling impatient, worried, overwhelmed, or afraid. Rather than lashing out, a practice of compassion invites us to notice how others are likely doing their best, often in difficult circumstances. We can name our frustration, without misplacing blame. In our families, we can create agreements around how we might help remind one another to practice compassion.

We can help build and/or restore communal compassion acts by practicing kindness and care whenever possible, by inviting one another-even strangers, to breathe, and by sharing stories of compassion and care. It’s important and faithful work that we UUs can make an impact.

In faith~

Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy