On Monday I was startled to see a news report on CNN about a jet crashing into a home in San Diego. Of course, my first thought was, “Oh, God, where was that?” My oldest daughter lives north of San Diego near Miramar. Once I realized it was far from where my daughter lives, I thought, “Oh, I hope no one was home. Its daytime, so maybe the people were at work.”  Unfortunately, of course, that was not true.

I read today that a young woman, her mother and her two infant daughters were killed in the crash.  The dear man who is the grieving widower and father, Dong Yun Yoon, was quoted in today’s CNN report about his reaction to his loss.

Amazing Compassion

This remarkable young man demonstrates the power of true compassion in what he told CNN.  He said “"Please pray for him not to suffer from this accident. He is one of our treasures for the country. I don't blame him. I don't have any hard feelings. I know he did everything he could.”  How many of us could express such feelings after someone had killed our most beloved family members?

Certainly, Dong Yun Yoon will get through this tragedy in better shape than many people get through equally as devastating ones. His compassionate heart leaves room for the possibility of healing with a lack of blame and revengeful, punitive beliefs, which typically block healing.  It truly changes everything when you can allow yourself to fully respect and have empathy for the perpetrators of your loss instead of moving into what our reptilian brains would have us do: blame. 

That poor pilot!

Whether the poor bloke who dropped his plane on Dong Yun Yoon can have the same kind of empathy and respect for himself is a whole other question indeed. He is said to have been distraught at the idea that someone might have been injured in the incident. The trauma of what occurred for the pilot will be even more difficult for him to heal from if he is unable to have the same amount of compassion for himself.  I pray that he is able to have the same amount of compassion for himself as does Dong Yun Yoon. 

How about you?

Can you have this kind of compassion for those who have injured you? Have you been able to do this? If so or if not, I’d love to hear your story. Comment below.