Breeders shoot horses with broken legs, as if there's nothing else to be done. But now I know they do this for themselves, not wanting to care for a horse that cannot run.

In just this way, fearful and selfish people cut the cord to those who are broken, not wanting to sit with a friend who can't find tomorrow, not wanting to be saddled with someone who will slow them down, not wanting to face what is broken in themselves. In this lies the challenge of compassion. For when we dare to hold those forced to the ground, dare hold them close, the truth of the holding and listening sings and we are carried into the wisdom of broken bones and how things heal.

These are quiet braveries we all need: The courage to wait and to watch with all of who we are. The courage to admit that we are not alone. The courage to hold each other to the ear of our heart. And the courage to care for things that are broken.

Mark Nepo, The Exquisite Risk