The Dalai Lama said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Here are ten characteristics of compassion to help you bring more of it into your life.

C – Caring. Being there for another person in a time of need is really the essence of your humanity. When you show your compassion for someone who is facing challenges, you not only lighten their burden, you create a stronger bond.

O – Oneness. Adhering to the philosophy that we are all connected can make what you’re dealing with a bit easier. Feeling at one with those you love can ease the burdens of life.

M – Miracles. I have seen too many miracles to believe they don’t exist. Miracles happen every day. They reaffirm our spirit, leave us amazed, and give us a reason to keep going. Just be open to the idea.

P – Patience. Sometimes getting what we need takes more time than we think it will, but it helps to know that we are moving in the right direction. Little affirmations along the way can remind your loved one that he or she is getting a bit better every day.

A – Acceptance. Sometimes we may not be completely ready for what we have to handle in life or are called upon to give. Accepting that the right things are happening for the right reasons, at the right time, with the right people, makes difficult transitions easier to deal with.

S – Strength. Giving and receiving compassion makes us stronger. As a giver, you need to maintain your personal strength to continue providing appropriate care to your loved one.

S – Support. When we can’t find our own strength, the support of those who love us may be what we need to get through the day. Just being there for someone, even if you’re just watching TV together, is life affirming.

I - Imagination. Knowing exactly how to be compassionate can be a challenge. This is where a little creativity can be very helpful. You don’t have to be a doctor or a nurse to care appropriately for someone in need.

O – Openness. Being open to emotions allows us to feel things we might ordinarily block out. Through compassion, we are able to sense depths we have never experienced before. Growth can take place at every moment of life. And it always comes from the same place—another human being.

N – Nurturing. Perhaps the essence of compassion lies in our ability to be nurturing. Most of us probably don’t get enough nurturing. Being able to make someone feel cared for is an incredible gift.

When you show compassion, you express your feelings in ways you may never have the words for. Those who give compassion freely have the most fulfilled of lives.

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