The most compassionate people utilize the most boundaries.
A boundary is what is ok and what is not okay. Boundaries are not division or a wall. They are about respect — what’s ok and what’s not.
When we don’t set boundaries we let people do things or behave in a way that is not okay and we get resentful and hateful. That is, when you avoid conflict (setting boundaries) to make peace with other people — you start a war within.
Generosity and assuming the best of people is an inherently selfish act since the life you change is first your own.
Most people are not comfortable setting boundaries since we don’t want to disappoint anyone and want everyone to like us. To seek approval and to please others.
Nothing is sustainable without boundaries.
Empathy is a skillset to bring compassion alive. Empathy is not feeling for someone, but feeling with. It is a resonance with another. It’s an understanding for another.
Empathy without boundaries is not empathy
Compassion without boundaries is not genuine
Vulnerability without boundaries is not vulnerability
Written by Kalen
Buddhism, mixed with my current interests in economics, privilege, immigration, etc. Email <my username>@gmail.com