100 Cups of Compassion is a little Art Book, Journal, Devotional with a big heart.
100 Cups of Compassion started organically as the artist's way to enter the creative process, loosen up, and just doodle. It turned into hundreds of 4-inch by 4-inch cup paintings that now reach around the world. This book has colorful photos, inspirational quotes, Bible verses, and stories of why and where some of these cups are now. Buy one for yourself and share one with a friend. Spread the love and make compassion a way of life. According to Author and Scholar Karen Armstrong, the author of 12 Steps to Compassion, we cannot confine our compassion to our group: we must also reach out in some way to the stranger and the foreigner—even to the enemy. To be compassionate, we must give all of ourselves without thinking about how it will affect or be*. By getting out into the community, I have the opportunity to meet strangers, engage in conversations, and give my paintings away to COMPLETE STRANGERS! In practicing using my Art as a form of compassion, I must overcome my ego to use my time, talent, and money to create an original work of Art to give away, not for sale in hopes of making someone else’s day a little brighter. My paintings can be like my children, and it is hard to part with them, but ultimately, when I give freely, it always returns tenfold. Compassion spreads. Jesus tells us in Luke 25 as a precursor to the parable of the Good Semaritin that "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself." I hope that as I actively show compassion to my fellow man, in return, that person will also be inspired to show compassion for another in their community, and the compassion will spread. “I am meeting people with great stories to tell about their lives. I am writing these in a journal and a blog. The cups are a catalyst to open a conversation with strangers. I actively listen while they speak.” |
How 100 Cups of Compassion Works?
When Someone Deeply Listens To You
When someone deeply listens to you
it is like holding out a dented cup
you've had since childhood
and watching it fill up with
cold, freshwater.
When it balances on top of the brim,
you are understood.
When it overflows and touches your skin,
you are loved.
In the previous poem by John Fox, he speaks to the importance of "active listening and how important it is that we actively engage in what people have to say. Part of the 100 cups initiative is to actively listen to those around me while I sit in public places (my community) and paint. By doing this, I can get a better idea of the world around me.
Are people sad?
Are they celebrating?
Do they need a pick me up?
In this respect, I can approach those in need who might benefit from receiving a small cup of compassion.
When someone deeply listens to you
it is like holding out a dented cup
you've had since childhood
and watching it fill up with
cold, freshwater.
When it balances on top of the brim,
you are understood.
When it overflows and touches your skin,
you are loved.
In the previous poem by John Fox, he speaks to the importance of "active listening and how important it is that we actively engage in what people have to say. Part of the 100 cups initiative is to actively listen to those around me while I sit in public places (my community) and paint. By doing this, I can get a better idea of the world around me.
Are people sad?
Are they celebrating?
Do they need a pick me up?
In this respect, I can approach those in need who might benefit from receiving a small cup of compassion.
Why Coffee and Teacups?
These are symbolic of comfort and community. In many cultures worldwide and the USA, Coffee and tea are synonymous with sitting around a table with family, friends, and guests. It is the synthesis of beginning a conversation and then engaging in open communication, sharing life, and building relationships.
Where do I buy a 100 Cups of Compassion book?
The book is available for purchase on Amazon.
How do I receive a 100 Cups of Compassion painting?
They are for sale at the P.A.st.A Gallery in St Augustine with partial funds going to various non profits.
Private email Robin if you have a need for a specific design.
*Armstrong, Karen (2010-12-28). Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life (p. 143). Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Private email Robin if you have a need for a specific design.
*Armstrong, Karen (2010-12-28). Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life (p. 143). Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.