Why do you feel it’s important that the process we use to describe our “character defects” or “sins” be a moral or compassionate one?
“THE MOST LOVING THING WE CAN DO” –
“If the word “moral”
bothers us … talking
with our sponsor about
our reservations can ease
our discomfort. A moral in-
ventory doesn’t mean that we
will condemn ourselves. In
reality, the inventory pro-
cess is one of the most
loving things we can
do for ourselves.”
(It Works, How &
Why, p. 28)
“Com-
passion is
the basis of all
morality.”
Arthur Schopenhauer (1788 – 1860) German philosopher
It’s A Sin (Paul Anka covering the Pet Shop Boys)
More Sayings from Schopenhauer (1:09)
Tibetan Singing Bowl Meditation (10:01)
Compassion
by Robert William Service
A beggar in the street I saw,
Who held a hand like withered claw,
As cold as clay;
But as I had no silver groat
To give, I buttoned up my coat
And turned away.
And then I watched a working wife
Who bore the bitter load of life
With lagging limb;
A penny from her purse she took,
And with sweet pity in her look
Gave it to him.
Anon I spied a shabby dame
Who fed six sparrows as they came
In famished flight;
She was so poor and frail and old,
Yet crumbs of her last crust she doled
With pure delight.
Then sudden in my heart was born
For my sleek self a savage scorn,–
Urge to atone;
So when a starving cur I saw
I bandaged up its bleeding paw
And bought a bone.
For God knows it is good to give;
We may not have so long to live,
So if we can,
Let’s do each day a kindly deed,
And stretch a hand to those in need,
Bird, beast or man.
I’ve found the most effective way to show love is by compassion and tolerance of people all the time. This is an olive branch that brings people closer to me, because they feel they are not being judged
Good morning everyone + happy Saturday. Here is today’s thought. Try to trust God in your life, even when you find yourself in darkness. God does have a plan for each of us. Live faithfully. Give your best + leave the results to God. Blessings. BB
For me, if I’m not harming myself or someone else, then it really isn’t immoral. I have to be careful that there isn’t a hidden harm that I’m not aware of. So I tread carefully in terms of sexual, emotional, and spiritual issues because they can be wrought with hidden land mines. I have to be careful my self-will isn’t running amok. So if in doubt, I travel the well worn path where I know it is safe. If my actions and intention are not coming from compassion, then they are immediately suspect.
I love hearing that compassion is the basis of all morality. My moral judgments are usually aimed at someone other than myself. Yet I know I have neither power nor the illusion of control over anyone but myself. I also know my morals began being constructed before I was five years old. As I learn better, I do better. I also know I cannot change/correct anything about myself without the help of my Higher Power. Great thing Steps 1-2-3 assured me of the unconditional love of my HP.
I can be a little bit more patient.