Balancing Compassion and Judgement

היום שלשה ימים בעמר
Today is three days of the omer
תפארת שבחסד
A day of compassion in a week of loving kindness


Finding compassion is a theme in my life. It's been a focus for me since the realization that it is the antidote to being judgmental. But I must remember to have some chesed, some kindness for myself when the compassion/judgement balance lists too far into judgement. It's a family trait that has been so ingrained in me that it takes a lot of effort to combat. As long as I keep fighting, and keep the awareness even in times when things get out of control, I can keep moving forward.

From Compassion comes Understanding

 היום ששה עשר יום, שהם שני שבועות ושני ימים, בעמר
Today is sixteen days, which is two weeks and two days, of the omer
גבורה שבתפארת
A day of strength in a week of compassion

Compassion is a powerful  force.

Last week I wrote about compassion as an antidote to being judgmental. But compassion's strength goes far beyond that. Looking at life through the lens of compassion removes the ego that can cloud the view. Acting from a place of compassion brings the ability to truly make a difference as the focus is on what is needed, not what you want to make happen.

The strength of compassion is in the flow of understanding it brings.