Recession and Compassion
I recently read an interview with Marc Ian Barasch (author of The Compassionate Life: Walking in the Path of Kindness) in the June/July issue of Ode Magazine and loved his response to the question "can compassion and kindness survive in a recession?" He comments -
"Compassion isn’t just a smiley-face emotion that blooms in giddy times when everything’s coming up roses. The literal meaning of the word comes from the Latin compatior—to suffer with, to feel with. It’s about removing that clanking suit of armor that keeps us from being touched, that blocks our authentic responses. I’m not sure people were more compassionate in the so-called successful economy. All those Darwinian TV shows: You’re fired! Get off the island! Triumph doesn’t necessarily make individuals kinder. But when things go downhill, community becomes less dispensable. If everyone’s feeling vulnerable, it can restore that feeling of ‘We’re in this together.’ Compassion grows out of a willingness to share the human condition, not just the pursuit of happiness."
I am honestly sick of people making excuses for why justice or charity can't happen in a recession, so to hear a reminder that compassion is active helps. It is hard work, it does require us to get over ourselves and think as a community. Contrary to popular opinion, I think the recession is the perfect time to jump headfirst into living the compassionate life – the needs are so much more apparent and we are all more aware of struggles. Recession shouldn't be a time to bitch and hoard, but the chance to re-evaluate our lives and start focusing outward.
from → Social Justice
julieclawson(at)gmail(dot)com 
I've actually been surprised at how much more generous giving I've seen coming from people. It feels like there is an understanding in theculture now that people are struggling. I agree with you very much – a recession is the perfect time to jump into living the compassionate life. Thanks for posting this!
I'm in agreement as well. Despite well-intentioned people calling me foolish, I said to a group very involved in our church that I believed that church-giving should and could go up. I expressed that our volunteerism in and out of our walls should/could follow the same path and mentioned a few other things.
I think we are in a time where we as a society can stop and reflect on what brought us here. People may not need to vacation as much, they may not need to spend so much at new fancy restaurants, they may settle for $30,000 vehicle as opposed to a $40,000 (I write that one with sarcasm but it's unfortunately true). Those that are laid off could use some of that time to volunteer, etc.
This is an excellent time to focus on others.