The Art of Consolation

The Art of Consolation 

Offering yourself is itself the art of consolation. So if someone around you is suffering, give them your hand. The hand of your hand, the hand of your words, the hand of your time. 

                                 Daphne Rose Kingma: A Garland of Love

If someone around you is suffering, don’t shy away from him or her. Offer them consolation in whatever way you can. You might not know what to say or do, but you can always spend time with them. Just sit next to person who suffers, perhaps holding her hands. Often, no words are needed.

It is not easy being confronted with other peoples’ suffering. Sometimes we’re too eager to “sort things out”, trying to cheer people up or giving them what we think is good advice. However, what helps the most is simply being there for them. 

Be there for the people who have a hard time. Offer them your words, your hand, your time. “Offering yourself is itself the art of consolation.”