Being with Passion

“When your fear touches someone’s pain, it becomes pity, when your love touches someone’s pain, it becomes compassion.” ~ Stephen Levine

Very interesting perspective. If I take pity on someone, I am actually not focussing my attention on them but myself--ie. “I’m glad that’s not me”. No attempt at connection is made. But what happens when I am willing to be with another person and bear witness to their struggle, while also recognizing the person beyond the pain?
Love, Dave