Compassion Over Prejudice

At our core, humans are all the same. We breathe the same air, we all have blood running through our veins.  We all bleed the same, we hurt the same and we all experience the same emotions.

If we take away the labels of religion, race, sexuality, colour or creed, we would see the same humanity underneath. Yet, as humans, we all carry prejudices. They can stem from culture, upbringing or fear, and they can darken our hearts, leading us to speak or act with judgment - or even malice. But no matter who we direct it towards, the weapon is always the same.

It’s worth remembering that none of us chose where we were born. The very people we may hold prejudice against could just as easily have been us. When we shift our lens to see everyone through the eyes of shared humanity - and to think, “that could have been me” - compassion naturally follows, and acceptance begins to replace prejudice. And wouldn’t the world be a better place if we chose compassion over judgment?

This doesn’t mean giving up our beliefs or opinions. It simply means recognising the struggles and pain of others as humans, just as real as our own - because we all hurt and suffer in the same way.

In the ancient Sanskrit texts on yoga, the guiding principle of Ahiṁsā teaches compassion and non-violence, not only in our actions but also in our thoughts. We all have the capacity for compassion, and the more we practise it, the more it expands: within ourselves, towards others, and outward into the world. And this world could certainly do with more compassion - always.

Just like prejudice, compassion is contagious. So, let’s make wiser choices. Do we want to spread judgment, or do we want to spread kindness?