Recently, a former colleague who was a leader, physician, and amazing human passed away after a valiant acceptance of life, health, illness, and death, leaving a hole in the medical community that can only be filled by a collective elevation in love, hope, and compassion.
Even in his last days, he was planning to give back to the medical community by being featured in a documentary entitled Compassion Heals: You. Me. The World. This documentary intends to help heal healers and patients by shining the light on where compassion is absent, its effects on our health and healing, and even more importantly, where it is going right and how to make compassionate care not only words we hear but care we FEEL.
Unfortunately, we were not able to get the interview prior to his death.
When someone you love and respect dies, you may search for meaning; I know I am right now… in all the directions.
When overwhelmed, I often think of the Buddhist Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, also known as Chenrezig, the “Buddha of Compassion”. He looked upon the world and saw much suffering, felt overwhelmed, and started to cry… those tears gave birth to many Taras, including the White Tara, known for her great compassion and groundwork to alleviate the suffering in this world. How beautiful is that?
So, how do we turn our tears into compassion growth?
Well, one step at a time, one breath at a time…one simple action at a time.
We need each other—desperately. There are so many areas that need compassion that we can feel overwhelmed, much like Chenrezig. Our tears will fall in many directions. We need our collective suffering to have direction and purpose.
One way is to get involved in compassion projects and gather with like-minded people who are on a compassionate path. For example, you might like to join the GCC’s Compassion Connectors program or become a host of Compassion Circles.
This can strengthen your resolve for those times when things are difficult. If you believe, like me, that the medical community desperately needs more compassion for those who practice and those who seek healing, I have just the place for you.
The Compassion Heals movement and documentary are ways you can help increase compassion in healthcare and the world. It’s a way to connect with those who are on the path of compassion and create a tangible, measurable change to help all of us heal from the losses of life, love, health, and illness while being a part of the legacy of all the compassion warriors who came before us and those who will come after. This is OUR legacy, our chance to serve in the name of humanity, love, and, of course, compassion.
Rest in powerful, compassionate Peace, Don Wreden, MD. May your life be an example for all to follow, turning suffering into healing.
To find out more about The Compassion Heals documentary and how you can be a part of helping to get it made, click here.
If you feel called to support the development of this film—not just through financial contributions, but in any other way—please reach out to “Patient Lee” Tomlinson (Founder and Executive Producer) directly at lee@leetomlinson.com, visit www.leetomlinson.com, or call 310-261-3823. Every act of compassion makes a difference!
