When we see real and unavoidable suffering all around uson television and even within our own communities and familieswe may experience helplessness or guilt. We know that these two responses do not serve others yet we dont know what else to do sometimes.
It may seem particularly indulgent and selfish to focus on ourselves when others are struggling with basic survival. How can we let ourselves get wrapped up in figuring out whether we should go back to school, start a new career, or even what to do about a problematic relationship while others are worried about having enough food or shelter or medicine?
The answer I offer is that it is an illusion to think in such either/or terms. The truth is that we dont have to and shouldnt choose between helping others and helping ourselves simultaneously. Why? Because the more we do to alleviate our own unnecessary suffering, the more we are available to help serve others whose suffering is unavoidable.
We naturally feel compassion for those who suffer from pain, illness, poverty, natural disasters, or political repression and we are drawn to seeking ways to help, such as donating money or even our blood. But our...
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