Took this photo end of June last year at Loch Rannoch. This red legged partridge had sixteen (16!) chicks in tow. About six of them are in this photo, camouflaged.
One of them tumbled off the path and I went to lift it back with the rest, it squeaked in protest and mother partridge legged it straight towards me headlights flashing as I became a victim of partridge road rage.
Good memories from that holiday - including photos at the top of Scheihallion, the oldest yew tree in Europe, sunset over the Loch, and this family of feathered hill walkers.
I've been writing a long paper on affective learning outcomes, and part of the research included reading up on the recent concern about the supposed lack of compassion in the nursing profession, reviewing the various responses, and thinking through the question 'Can compassion be taught?' Even if it can, is it possible to demonstrate development in compassion, if so what is the evidence and how do you assess an inner disposition? Through actions characterised by compassion? But shouldn't these actions be motivated by and carried out in an attitude that is spontaneous, authentic and an expression of the inner nature of the person? If it's a learned response, doesn't compassion need a prior foothold in a persons nature and personality that is emotionally consistent and authentic? Aren't some of the most admirable human qualities innate, instinctive, unself-conscious, rather than learned skills?
One NHS Trust is developing an assessment tool for compassion, with specific criteria and measurable levels of evidenc. This is a complex issue which goes to the heart of what it means to use words like profession, vocation, career and calling. I for one have no doubt that compassion can be taught, or at least compassionate responsivess can be illustrated and commended, attitudes of indifference can be challenged by displaying their consequences, and a bystander mentality can be transformed into one of risk, engagement and kindness. Otherwise why would Jesus have said, 'Go and do likewise', to that unfortunate lawyer who asked the wrong question at the right time.
Comments