Practice Compassion for Happiness

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.

If you want to be happy, practice compassion."

This wonderful quote by the Dalai Lama reminds me that practicing compassion is good for everyone. It's good for the giver and the receiver. My kind model for this photo wished to remain anonymous but she was volunteering to make valentines for hospitalized veterans when I snapped it. Volunteering for a cause you love can offer many opportunities to practice compassion. Of course, the first place to start is in our own homes. Sometimes we're most critical of those closest to us. Let's give them a compassionate break.

It's said that when you want to learn to practice compassion you should start with someone you already love. Then once it comes easier to you, practice compassion for someone you like, then for someone you moderately dislike, and eventually for someone you hate. Wherever you are in your journey of practicing compassion, I urge you to take a step forward now. What act of compassion can you do today?

Creating A Loving Atmosphere Tips

 Photograph by AnitaPatterson

 "A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life." The Dalai Lama

Here are a few tips to create a loving atmosphere in your home.

• Pray and worship God together.
• Make kindness the norm and treat each other with respect at all times.
• Hug each other more often. Small acts of affection build a loving atmosphere.
• Smile more often. I especially aim to always greet and leave my husband with a smile (and a kiss) - even when I'm just departing for another part of our own home.
• Make time to have fun together. Those happy memories enhance a loving atmosphere.
• Create a family bond boosting motto and have fun using it regularly (it can be as simple as "Team [Your Last Name]."
• Ensure that each member of your family is represented in the decor.
• Celebrate each others' successes and uniqueness.

I hope you are inspired to boost the loving atmosphere in your home. May God bless you!