Recently, I saw this on FB and it hit home hard. "Imagine you are walking in the woods and you see a small dog sitting by a tree. As you approach it, it suddenly lunges at you, teeth bared. You are frightened and angry.

But then you notice that one of its legs is caught in a trap. Immediately your mood shifts from anger to concern: You see that dog's aggression is coming from a place of vulnerability and pain.

This applies to all of us. When we behave in hurtful ways, it is because we are caught in some kind of trap. The more we look through the eyes of wisdom at ourselves and one another, the more we cultivate a compassionate heart.

"Wow, does that hit you the way it did me?! Every single person we care for is probably at the most vulnerable stage of their lives (except for when we are babies). We have the unique opportunity to see first hand what that must be like.

How would you feel if you could no longer remember what day it is or can't see to read or can no longer drive yourself or shop or even go to the bathroom by yourself?

How would it feel if you were completely tnedneped on someone else for even your most basic needs? Would you feel helpless, scared, dependent? Would you feel trapped? I am pretty sure I would.

And like the scared helpless dog, I might growl and snap a little too. Wouldn't you?