![]() ![]() Self-compassion has been defined as involving “self-kindness versus self-judgment a sense of common humanity versus isolation, and mindfulness versus overidentification” (Neff, 2003, p. When individuals view their own behaviors and shortcomings without compassion, they may ruminate about their faults and inadequacies in such a way that erodes self-esteem and happiness.īecause of the importance of self-kindness and -forgiveness to mental health, the concept of ‘ self-compassion’ is occurring more often in the psychological literature. Psychologists are also interested in the role of compassion towards oneself. Compassion can be painful to feel because it requires empathy for others, but it is also necessary because it evokes positive action. Judging a person’s predicament in the absence of compassion amounts to little more than judgment. This example is pertinent to a quote that is prevalent in studies of compassion: “ Make no judgments where you have no compassion” (Anne McCaffrey, ). ![]() ![]() The amount of compassion elicited by others will be dependent upon how serious his situation is deemed, as well as the perceived degree of fault attributed to him for his predicament. It requires a certain level of awareness, concern and empathy.Ĭonsistent with the above definition, seeing a homeless man on the sidewalk will register differently depending upon how this situation is uniquely perceived by passersby. 3).Īs such, compassion is not an automatic response to another’s plight it is a response that occurs only when the situation is perceived as serious, unjust and relatable. For example, in his detailed review, Cassell (2009) reported the following three requirements for compassion:ġ) “That the troubles that evoke our feelings are serious ”Ģ) “that the sufferers’ troubles not be self-inflicted- that they be the result of an unjust fate ” andģ) “we must be able to picture ourselves in the same predicament” (p. In other words, the rewards of practicing compassion work both ways.īut what exactly is meant by ‘compassion?’ Various definitions of compassion have been proposed by researchers and philosophers. The Dalai Lama’s words are instructive because they refer to the emotional benefits of compassion to both the giver and recipient. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. These detailed, science-based exercises will help you increase the compassion and kindness you show yourself and will also give you the tools to help your clients, students, or employees show more compassion to themselves. So, let’s begin our inquiry into this precious quality that is compassion.īefore you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Self-Compassion Exercises for free. If compassion may be perceived as a requisite for a meaningful existence and civilized society, it is indeed a concept worthy of continued discovery. This article will address these ideas by looking closely at the concept of compassion such as its meaning, value, psychological and other benefits, and relationship to qualities that promote coping (i.e., resilience).Įmpirical research examining the impact and correlates of compassion will also be included. It’s unthinkable.Īnd what about the concept of compassion in modern everyday life? After all, if this quality has the power to inspire courageous deeds, it must also encourage all sorts of positive behaviors that have both individual and societal benefits. Imagine a world without those who’ve run into burning buildings or executed other heroic feats of rescue during times of trauma. Imagine a world without the countless individuals who risked their own lives to save others during wartime (i.e., the thousands of Holocaust martyrs listed as the Righteous Among Nations). Francis of Assisi, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and so many others. Imagine a world without Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., St. For in the absence of compassion, how many benevolent, selfless and heroic deeds would have happened throughout history? Compassion is as vital to life as the air we breathe. ![]()
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