Day of Compassion Running Header: Day of Compassion
Day of Compassion
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How did you define compassion?
I am not a very compassionate person. I believe in living life for me, like I want and this assignment seemed to be a bit difficult. Being compassionate, would mean to be aware and take ca re of others’ feelings, ensuring that the feelings of others are also taken into account. It is not just sympathy to the under privileged or the down trodden, but compassion is being true to oneself, of giving whatever you can to others without any thought about reaping benefits. Compassion is showing you care. A hug, a smile, and an old toy - anything can be a sign of compassion.
Who were the recipients of your efforts? (Describe what you did on your Day of Compassion)
I decided to try my ‘side of compassion’ right from the time I jumped out from bed. Living with my partner, I am often inconsiderate about her love of keeping the apartment spic and span. I am the sort of person who loves to throw things randomly, and clean up once a week, usually on a weekend. This day I decided to wake up a bit early and start hel ping around. I helped her with the cleaning and other small things that I completely neglect. The effect was good that I even thought of making it a regular routine.
My second turn to be considerate came at the parking lot. Being a crowded day, and the parking l ot being a bit difficult to manoeuvre I was finding it difficult to fi nd a vacant spot. A guy who just got out from a car suggested a way of driving so that I can park my car at a distant spot, which I had missed because of the difficulty of reaching there. With the help of that guy I was able to find a space in time. On any other day I would thank him and walk away. But, being my day of compassion, I decided to help another similar late comer, trying to find a spot. I passed on the help I received, and that guy walked away with not even a nod or a smile. Usually I would be infuriated about the lack of acknowledgment, but then I felt happy, just that I was able to pass on the help.
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The next chance came after class. One of my classmates looked dull, unlike her usual self. She is one of the most upbeat people to be around. I approached her and talked to her, and just stood with her. She didn’t divulge what was eating her up, but she was cheerful enough to come with me for a lunch. We talked about classes, future plans and life in general. I had assignments due, friends to hang out with, and other things in mind. But sensing she needed someone I sincerely tried hard to bring a small change. How far I succeeded is unknown to me, but it was good to hang with a classmate I hardly talk to.
If your behavior was different than normal, which person did you like more: the "Day of Compassion you" or the "normal you"? If you preferred the "Day of Compassion you," what are the psychological factors that prevent this "you" from coming out?
These were just small attempts to change myself to become compassionate about the day-to-day events. It wasn’t great things that others would remember their entire life, but simple acts t hat made me happy about this assignment. I was overall more satisfied about the day. The psychological factors that I feel that make me from being compassionate are:
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Being an introvert by nature, I tend to keep myself away as far away from limelight. Hel ping others means I have to be in touch more with people. It isn’t an easy t ask for me.
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Peer Pressure : I have my group of friends, and the requirement of the group often prioritizes the need for being a light to the society.
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Individual Goals: I am more concerned of achieving my set goals. This makes me focused on my needs rather than the feelings and needs of others.
What are the psychological costs and benefits of behaving compassionately? In your view, do the benefits outweigh the costs?
The important barrier that I need to cross to be compassionate is being outward, and social. Being a guy of few words and deeds, I find it extremely difficult to cross this way of
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thinking. The benefits were the filling of accomplishment, and true cheerfulness. This is achievable only through helping others.
How did others respond to your compassion? Do you think they noticed a difference in your behavior? What attributions did people make for your behavior, and why?
The day of compassion made me come across three people whom I could be a little considerate with – my partner, a stranger and an acquaintance. The response too varied accordingly. My partner was pleasantly surprised, and we had a good time, unlike the other days when it’s a busy morning with both of rushing to out respective places. The stranger was too naïve to even recognize it as a good deed, and moved on with not so much as a backward glance. My acquaintance was a bit taken aback first, as I do not take time to be with anyone other than my group pf friends. It was a varied response, and it was a pleasure to watch their reactions at m y change in behavior.
If you wanted to encourage others to behave as you did during the Day of Compassion, what psychological techniques would you use? How can psychology be used to foster a more compassionate society?
If you were to predict your behavior one month from now, do you think it will be changed in any way as a result of participating in the Day of Compassion? If so, how? If not, why not?
I am very much intending to stop a moment and help others. It takes a few minutes more than usual. But the extent to which it will be able to be carried out is still uncertain. I don’t plan on ma king a huge change; a small token of love is all that I wish to spread. Spreading this message is also not considered. It would be unfair on me unless I am turning myself to be a real compassionate person. I made an attempt, and hopefully would be able to continue these small of acts of kindness in t he coming years. If it does turn out as I hope, I would take initiatives to turn the closest people around me to celebrate a ‘Day of Compassion’.
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What is your overall reaction about this assignment?
An overall assessment of this assignment makes me happy, I was honestly able to write my small experience, and it made me a better person at least for a day.
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