This was originally posted Jan 13, 2014

I met Dusty last year when I went through the Save a Warrior project. It was a particularly low point of my life. Dusty taught me Transcendental Meditation...it was a gift from the David Lynch Foundation. At first look, Dusty looks like a beast of a man...especially when you learn he was an Airborne Ranger with the 82nd Airborne. You'd be right..but he is also one of the most gentle and kind human you'll ever meet.

Compassion is defined as sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. Synonyms are pity, sympathy, empathy, care, concern, solicitude, sensitivity, warmth, tenderness, mercy, leniency, tolerance, kindness, humanity, and charity to name a few. 

Compassion is when those feelings and thoughts include the desire to help. Some research has shown that when we feel compassion our heart rate slows down. We secrete the "bonding hormone" oxytocin and regions of the brain linked to empathy and caregiving are stimulated and the warmth of good feelings " light up".  

I would simply call it love. Opening your heart to others around you and being in the present appreciating life, and the wonder of it all. All life and the Universe itself is connected. When I look into another Warrior’s eyes and I see my own heart’s reflection I understand our connection and my desire to reach out and help that Warrior so he or she may enjoy what they truly deserve and that is nothing more than a happy and fulfilling life. They have earned it and carry the burden of that sacrifice so we all may enjoy our lives, desires, and dreams.  

With the regular practice of Transcendental Meditation, I have experienced a technique that allows me to feel more balanced, loving, open willingness to give of myself to others. Compassion.

Miss you Chris.