Have some compassion!

If you’re like most people, it’s rather easy to have compassion for those you love, small children and animals - but can you find it in your heart to have compassion for folks you work with or in your community who test your limits? 

Would having some tools to increase your compassion be of value?
(The answer is a resounding “Yes!”. Truth is, we ALL could benefit from increased levels of compassion.)

A profound quote on the subject of compassion: “We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do and more in the light of what they suffer.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

Compassion literally means “to suffer together.” Among emotion researchers, it is defined as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering.

In the work I do with my clients, we often explore how our interactions with others affect our reality and learn to create a new reality - one that offers far more compassion for all involved. Some call this Spiritual work; I call it learning to be a better human. 

For those who want a little support in that area, today I’m offering some simple tips for raising your compassion capacity. 

1. Practice Self-Compassion first

Important to note - Compassion starts within. 

Before you can fully express compassion for someone else, you first must have self-compassion. 

Begin a practice of extending the same understanding, forgiveness, and support to yourself as you would to others. Prioritize self-care, set healthy boundaries, and practice mindfulness or meditation to cultivate self-compassion. By nurturing your own well-being, you'll have a greater capacity to show genuine compassion to those around you.

2. Build bridges, not barriers

Compassion thrives when we embrace diversity and seek common ground. Make a commitment to celebrate and appreciate the differences that make each individual unique. Foster inclusivity by actively involving everyone in discussions, valuing their contributions, and creating an environment where all voices are heard and respected. By building bridges and promoting understanding, you foster a culture of compassion that benefits everyone involved.

3. Practice Kindness and Random Acts of Compassion

Small acts of kindness have the power to transform both the giver and the receiver. Look for opportunities to extend simple acts of compassion to your work colleagues and strangers alike. Offer a helping hand, express gratitude, or engage in small gestures of thoughtfulness. Remember that compassion is contagious, and by initiating random acts of kindness, you inspire others to follow suit, fostering a positive ripple effect within your workplace and the wider community.

4. Start a Compassion Journal

For one month, create and actively make daily entries in a compassion journal. Set aside a few minutes each day to reflect on acts of compassion you've witnessed or participated in. Record your thoughts, emotions, and the impact these acts had on both yourself and others. This practice will help you cultivate gratitude, heighten awareness of compassion in your life, and inspire you to continue spreading kindness.

Compassion benefits YOU! Some new research has shown that when we feel compassion, our heart rate slows down, we secrete the “bonding hormone” oxytocin, and regions of the brain linked to empathy, caregiving, and feelings of pleasure light up, which often results in our wanting to approach and care for other people. 

Compassion is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. By incorporating these tips into your daily life, you can create a more compassionate workplace and foster meaningful connections with strangers. And, I feel confident, you’ll discover some very rewarding new perspectives about yourself, others, and your world that will be beyond your expectations. 

If you struggle with finding compassion for yourself or others, I can help. Reach out HERE and let’s get to the bottom of what’s holding you back from showing up as your best self. 

I hope you’ll take the challenge. Let’s join together to create a world where empathy and understanding flourish - with ourselves, in our homes, in the workplace, and beyond.