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Growing up in Sri Lanka, I learned a lot about compassion from both my culture and personal experiences. Buddhism, which is a big part of Sri Lankan culture, teaches us to be kind and understanding. However, society often expects us to hide our weaknesses and strive for perfection. This made it hard for me to show my true feelings and struggles.
Mindfulness practices from Buddhism have helped me find balance. These practices encourage honesty and openness, which are important for true compassion. By reflecting on my experiences, I have learned to be more genuine and vulnerable in my interactions.
In my work, whether as a teacher, counselor, or community worker, I try to bring compassion into everything I do. Sharing stories from our own communities, known as place-based narratives, is a powerful way to build empathy. These stories help students understand different perspectives and connect with others on a deeper level.
Even though society sometimes makes it difficult, I believe that showing compassion is very important. By listening to and sharing diverse stories, we can create a more understanding and connected world. My goal is to bridge the gap between my personal beliefs and professional practice, spreading compassion in all areas of my life.
References
Gruenewald, D. A. (2003). The best of both worlds: A critical pedagogy of place. Educational Researcher, 32(4), 3-12.
Dewey, J. (1916). Democracy and education: An introduction to the philosophy of education. Macmillan.
Neff, K. D. (2012). The science of self-compassion. Self-compassion and self-esteem. Retrieved from self-compassion.org.
Singer, T., & Klimecki, O. M. (2014). Empathy and compassion. Current Biology, 24(18), R875-R878.
After reading your share, I deeply resonate. Your experience brought back memories of going to Tibet in China during the most difficult time. The Tibetan Buddhist practice of mindfulness there deeply infected me and rekindled the fire within me. In that peaceful land, I learned to listen to my inner voice and found my inner peace and direction. It was that experience that inspired me to understand what I wanted to do – to be an educator. In my work as an educator, I deeply appreciate the importance of compassion, especially when dealing with a special group of children with autism. They need more love and understanding, and compassion is the most precious gift I can give them. Through self-experience and reflection, I have come to a deeper understanding of the power of compassion. It is not only an emotion, but also an action that can change people’s lives and destinies. We should constantly listen to the voices of students, pay attention to their needs, and help them overcome difficulties and move towards a better future. I firmly believe that through education, we can foster more inclusive and compassionate societies.
Your story hit my heart. I also understand how you witnessed a conflict between cultural values about compassion and society’s need to hide flaws. I admire how you embraced honesty and mindfulness to find your way. What stood out was how you use compassion as your guide. Sharing local stories to build empathy is powerful. Your dedication to blending personal values with your work is truly inspiring. Keep spreading kindness!
Chalani Fernando !
I find it fascinating that there are parallels between Indian and Sri Lankan culture, such as in the areas of Buddhism and narrative. The geographic location of both countries could be the explanation for this resemblance. Buddhism suggests contemplative activities that aid in discovering one’s life’s true purpose. As a teacher, I could completely resonate with the idea of telling students about experiences through stories. Using stories in the classroom not only helps teachers impart academic knowledge but also fosters important social and emotional abilities like kindness, compassion, and empathy—all of which are necessary to build a community that is more understanding and kind.
It is important to find a balance between our core vaues and our societal expectations which might be in conflict. We need to be true to our core values, so remembering to say the well-wishes to ourselves is important. Storytelling is an amazing method to make connections with others and ellicit feelings of empathy and compassion 🙂