What is Compassion

Compassion is the natural response which arises when we are faced with pain or suffering. It refers to the kindness we feel towards another being, coupled with a strong intention to relieve the suffering. The wish to take responsibility and take action wherever possible (bearing in mind that sometimes takes the form of acceptance), requires courage. This wish to relieve suffering is also the important factor which distinguishes compassion from empathy. Empathy keeps us in the pain we are identifying with, and can eventually lead to burn-out. The difference can also be clearly seen in the different parts in the brain which are engaged, with compassion activating the motor areas of the brain.

Most of us feel compassion when we see a child or a close friend is struggling, but we don't always feel that way when we ourselves are having a difficult time. What would it be like to receive the same caring attention whenever you need it most? All that's needed is a shift in direction of our attention - recognizing that as a human being, we too are worthy of receiving compassion. In this way we can become our own best friend and truly care for ourselves, instead of being driven by the inner critic which seems to dominate so many of our behaviours. It has been shown that the more compassionate we are to ourselves, the more fulfilment we find in life, and the more compassion we tend to have toward others.

We are both trained in teaching a range of compassion programs, such as Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) and Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL), as well as having long-standing compassion meditation practice. We weave these elements throughout our teachings, always implicitly, and at times with explicit teachings and exercises.
 

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an 8-week program designed to cultivate the skills of self-compassion. MSC is based on pioneering research by Kristin Neff and clinical expertise of Christopher Germer, and teaches the core principles and practices to help you respond to difficult emotions and situations with care and understanding. The three key components of self-compassion are self-kindness, common humanity, and mindful awareness. Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL), developed by Erik van den Brink and Frits Koster, also considers the mind and brain systems which hinder and support the cultivation of compassion in everyday life.

 

"For someone to develop genuine compassion towards others, first he or she must have a basis upon which to cultivate compassion, and that basis is the ability to connect to one's own welfare... Caring for others requires caring for oneself." Tenzin Gyatso - the 14th Dalai Lama