Compassion Inspired by Meditation

The depth of realization attained in meditation is measured by the acts of love and compassion it inspires.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian

For those of us who have a regular meditation practice, how are we to judge its effectiveness? The first level answer is not by what happens during meditation. Even on those days when the mind seems as restless as the wind, our constant returning to a point of focus brings many benefits: an improved ability to concentrate, increased awareness of what is occurring in the mind, and an ability to be present as we go about our daily activities. Often others notice the real benefits of our meditation practice before we do: an abiding calm peacefulness and a pleasant disposition despite outer circumstances. However the greatest blessing of meditation is that natural compassion for all those we come in contact with because we realize that we are not really separate at all.