Once you have learned the gratefulness skill (discussed in this post), your compassionate side will germinate. This is the seed for compassion. We automatically reciprocrate good feelings to the people we are thankful for. We care for them, we hope good for them and become compassionate towards them.
Another way to cultivate compassion is by recognizing that no human being is inherently bad. Everyone has their weaknesses, and in the face of adversity, people tend to exhibit their worst sides. This is a law of nature: when people acquire what they desire, they become joyful, but when their comfort is disrupted, they often become miserable. Embracing this fact allows us to understand the reasons behind their behavior and see the situation from their perspective.You will notice that you are not the victim, people causing you harm are the real victims. Their negative reactions towards a situation and its effects are causing you misery. And you are making their pain yours.
The third way to be compassionate is by acknowledging our own weaknesses. This exercise will also increase your inner strength. Recognize that if you, as a human, possess faults, so do others. Their flaws may be greater or even more severe, but they are not flawless. If it is difficult for you to overcome your own weaknesses (which may be comparatively smaller than theirs), imagine how much more challenging it would be for them.
Once you start hitting the thick walls of your pain you will be able to see the pain of others. Make this your habit and you will soon become a compassionate person - even in challenging times.
If you think you have developed compassion share this post now!