EYES OF COMPASSION:
A TRAUMA-RESPONSIVE LENS SONG (1:33)

1
When you look at me,
please remember to keep in mind
that you don't know what you don't know
about me... what's happened to me.

2
You haven't seen what my eyes have seen,
you haven't heard what my ears have heard,
you haven't felt what my body and soul
have felt so deeply.

3
Looking with eyes of compassion,
listening with open heart and mind,
can help healing, hope, and resilience
take root and grow.

4
Thank you for wondering what's happened to me
instead of asking, "What's wrong with you?"
Thank you for helping me process my pain
and move towards joy...
move towards joy.


Bonus Resource: Please enjoy this powerful YouTube slideshow created by Cara Clancy (lyrics on screen):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_7Wik2gPfE

Think and Share Invitations
* Without using any names, think and share about a time when someone's words or actions resulted in your thinking,
"What's wrong with him/ her?"

* Now, see if you can picture them in your mind and wonder out loud about what might have happened to them ---
what they may have seen / heard / felt that caused trauma in their lives. That's what we call "looking at a person
through a trauma-informed lens."

* Think and share about a time you treated yourself with "self-compassion" -- that is, to treat yourself as you would treat
a good friend who is going through a hard time.

* Think of a time when you were dealing with some kind of trauma, and you were glad that someone treated you with
patience and understanding, and let you know they cared about you and supported you, and helped you build
resilience. (PLEASE NOTE: This is likely an opportunity for vocabulary expansion.)


 For 7 of the Most-Requested Songs, Think and Share Invitations, and Bonus Resources, please follow this link:
https://lkwbetterworld.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/5-17-21-7-of-the-most-requested-songs.pdf
 For Bonus Resources for Promoting Empathy and Compassion
https://lkwbetterworld.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/5-17-21-empathy-compassion-bonus-ress.pdf
For Songs connected with 5 Reproducible stories from Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories for a Better World
https://lkwbetterworld.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/5-17-21-csbw-5-sample-stories-w.-songs-bonus-resources-and-list-of-other-stories.pdf


Bonus Resource: Synonyms for Harm/ Trauma: Student Reference sheet
https://lkwbetterworld.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/synonyms-for-harm-trauma-student-reference-sheet-1-page3.pdf
Bonus Resource: Synonyms for Harm/ Trauma: Classroom Mini-Posters
https://lkwbetterworld.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/synonyms-for-harm-trauma-mini-poster-for-class2.pdf



Lyrics © 2019 by Linda K. Williams Tune: "Hey, Ho, Anybody Home?" (Traditional)
Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com CaringandCapableKids.com
I wish to express my profound appreciation to the San Diego Trauma Informed Guide Team
for their role in embracing and sharing this song. https://www.acesconnection.com/
And, I especially want to thank Ms. Dana Brown, Organizational Liaison, ACEs Connection and ACEs Science Statewide Facilitator, Learn4Life, for her beautiful idea of adding a 4th verse incorporating gratitude.

For related resources, please visit my website http://www.CaringandCapableKids.com / for many free downloadable resources offered, and also Compassionate Comprehension with the Common Core
https://lkwbetterworld.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/7-9-17-revisions-cc-cc-8-p-master-doc.pdf
to support Social Emotional Intelligence, and the development of a Trauma-Informed Lens.

This song is part of a no-cost set of songs and resources, CARING AND CAPABLE KIDS -- 52 Songs written and recorded by Linda K. Williams and Friends, available at https://caringandcapablekids.com/caring-and-capable-kids/
* Offered at no cost for use in Classrooms, Distance Learning, Music Programs, After-School Programs, and Homes
for Social Emotional Learning, Music Therapy, and Developing Resilience, Empathy, and a Trauma - Informed / Responsive Lens
* Bonus Resources available via hyperlinks "Think and Share Invitations" for each song are offered as springboards for Restorative / Community Building Circles Writing / Journaling Pair and Share, and more.
* PLEASE ALSO CONSIDER engaging in Visual and Performing Arts inspired by the Lyrics ~ draw ~ paint ~ dance ~ mindful movement ~ hand motions ~ write additional lyrics, skits ~ and more


Link for this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdVAQf19cks&list=OLAK5uy_m_p-QmR0_-1yXmWXjsan2GiLAqKcLNku0&index=10

YouTube link for album https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m_p-QmR0_-1yXmWXjsan2GiLAqKcLNku0