a note on compassion

so, i've fallen off writing my travel blogs, but i thought this would be the best way to share my thoughts of the current situation in the world:

2017 has developed into something i'd never expected. i've been blessed in unimaginable ways, but i've also never believed i'd have my unwavering faith in human beings tested so thoroughly. i've found myself propagating the very notion that compassion cannot be taught.

traveling and discovering what global ties humans share, as well as what nuances and different flavors of beliefs/cultures/identities exist, has been a core passion of mine over the past decade plus. however, in the later half of 2016, it became clear that global policies and outspoken groups trying to exploit the smaller subset of our diverging ideals had succeeded in pushing all people across the board to their boiling points. facts are falling to the sidelines as special interests and rhetoric dominate headlines. other arguable points (backed by facts) are lost in the vast echo chambers of the internet, new channels, and 140 characters.

all these means are set to divide us and distract from what we share, especially within the united states of america: a country whose industrialized history developed through immigrants who moved from all around the world for dozens of reasons, but mostly commonly to have a better life and escape religious persecution. to have freedom to achieve their dreams and to not tread on others, ("do unto others as you would have them do unto you"). through promises to special interests groups, our current leadership is working to further divide/distract us, an effort which stifles and stops compassion.

we as human beings inherently desire to help others, especially those in need. i hope everyone is able to witness this. we need to rise up and embrace not only what we share, but what makes us different and as long as it doesn't negatively impact others. america is a melting pot, i've heard the highest compliments from many fellow travelers about the unique nature of blending so many different customs/cultures.

we need to recognize that our success, as a nation (and world), is interdependent. those who wish to maintain dominance, aren't interested in the standard of lives progressing; they are merely interested in furthering the gap between the haves and the have nots. we must recognize the common threads which connect our lives and our shared advancements.

i mentioned that i've been saying compassion cannot be taught. this morning, i decided compassion is infectious; you can't push it on others, but perhaps being compassionate to people (with both similar and different value sets), others will become more compassionate. this does not mean you must accept their values for your own, but hearing their perspective and starting a conversation rather than preaching. find common ground. conversation is with two parties conversing and sharing ideas, not simply two people talking at each other.

finally, we must find a way to articulate universally beneficial or hurtful policies/plans/ideas, so we can move together to fight for or against them. as i told a friend while commiserating about the current state of politics, we have to make 2017 be a wonderful year for us all, we can't sit back and expect life will get better. converse, find mutual values/purposes, be compassionate, and take action.

let's make 2017 and our future live up to all of our dreams.