“…In the dark days already gathering, we will need to do our best to look out for one another and for the creatures we love.”

Margaret Renkl, NYT

The Difficulty of This Moment

We are living in a time of uncertainty and widespread suffering. Politically, socially, and environmentally, harm is unfolding all around us. Many of us are angry, exhausted, disheartened, and overwhelmed.

And yet even in the hardest moments, compassion remains a powerful force—for ourselves and for others. Our acts of compassion—no matter how small—matter.

What is Compassion?

Compassion is the courage to witness suffering and the deep desire to ease it.

It is both a gentle comfort and a powerful force—guiding us to:

• See clearly and with perspective
• Respond with care, courage, and wisdom
• Stay committed to what truly matters.

Compassion is Not Passive Acceptance

Compassion calls us to engage with the world while remaining connected to ourselves. It is the courage to notice, to feel, to care, and take meaningful action in alignment with our values – for our own well-being, and for the well-being of others.

Turning Inward: Understanding Our Own Experience

Before we act, we must first turn inward.

The weight of the world impacts us in deeply personal ways—through our thoughts, emotions, and bodies. For those working toward a more just, kind, and peaceful world, the urgency of change can make it feel impossible to pause. But true, sustainable action comes from a place of steadiness, not depletion. Taking a moment to acknowledge what we are carrying is essential.

You might pause to notice:

• What thoughts are arising in me?
• What emotions am I feeling?
• Where do I feel this in my body?

Rather than pushing away discomfort, we can offer ourselves compassion first—through rest, through kindness, through the simple act of naming our truth in the moment.

Self-compassion is not a retreat from doing the work; it is a radical act of sustaining ourselves for the long haul. This practice is not about looking away from our own suffering or silencing our anger. It is about making space for our full humanity—our heartbreak, our hope, our grief, our love.

Self-compassion allows us to meet exhaustion, grief, and frustration with care rather than criticism, reminding us that we are human, and that of course we feel this way – because we care.

Acting in Alignment with Our Values

Once we have turned inward and tended to ourselves, we can ask:

• What do I care about?
• How can I act in alignment with my values?
• What is mine to do?
• What resources or partners do I need right now?
• What are the ways—big or small—that I can show up for justice, kindness, and truth?

Action does not have to be grand to be meaningful. Speaking up, offering support, setting boundaries, advocating for what matters—these are all expressions of compassion. The key is to act in ways that feel true and sustainable.

Checking In: Rest and Renewal

Compassion is an ongoing practice, requiring us to check in with ourselves over and over again. When do we need rest, and when are we ready to take action again? Both are necessary.

We can ask ourselves:

• What brings me solace and joy?
• What gives me meaning?
• Who are my people—those who remind me I am not alone?

Small Moments of Care and Connection

In times of immense harm, even the smallest moments of care and kindness matter. A deep breath. A shared conversation. A reminder that others, too, are standing up against harm. Compassion does not mean walking this road alone—it means knowing that others are walking alongside us.

Standing Up and Remembering You Are Not Alone

We resist harm not just for ourselves, but for one another.

Compassion is an act of defiance against harm and injustice. As we navigate these difficult times, may we turn inward with care, act with integrity, and know that we are part of something larger than ourselves.