Cultivating Compassion

Compassion, a vital emotion in our evolution, has its limitations according to Gilbert (2019). These limitations often lead us to care more for those close to us, while being more reserved towards strangers. However, in today’s diverse and globalized societies, this bias impedes the development of compassion. Gilbert suggests “breaking through these evolved boundaries around caring…

While we often show compassion for others, we lack awareness of how to use it effectively. Additionally, we frequently overlook the importance of self-compassion, which requires further attention. Compassion vs. Empathy: Finding the Balance Research by Tania Singer (2014) indicates that cultivating and maintaining compassion in professional helping relationships is healthier and more effective than…

“What is this self inside us, this silent severe and speechless critic, who can terrorize us and urge us on to futile activity and in the end, judge us still more severely for the errors into which his own reproaches drove us?” (Eliot, 1959). ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) Board in India is considered one of…

The value of compassion lies in creating a balanced life, especially inner balance. In many cultures, negative emotions are seen as something that should be eliminated. In fact, we need to recognize that shortcomings and difficulties are a natural part of life and should not be resisted or denied, but embraced with warmth, kindness and…

The value of compassion is a topic of increasing discussion in social organizations, workplace and schools. What distinguishes humans from machines—and from many other species, for that matter—is compassion. It makes it possible for us to relate to and understand the experiences of others. It is also the source of our compassion. It makes sense,…

In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions lurk at every corner and stress seems like an inevitable companion, the concept of mindfulness emerges as a beacon of tranquillity. Mindfulness, rooted in ancient practices but increasingly relevant in modern life, invites us to anchor our awareness in the present moment, fostering a deep connection with ourselves and…

In a world that often feels increasingly divided, teaching children compassion is more crucial than ever. Compassion, the ability to empathize with others and act with kindness, lays the foundation for a more empathetic and understanding society. As parents and educators, it is our responsibility to nurture this quality in the young minds entrusted to…

Growing up in Sri Lanka, I learned a lot about compassion from both my culture and personal experiences. Buddhism, which is a big part of Sri Lankan culture, teaches us to be kind and understanding. However, society often expects us to hide our weaknesses and strive for perfection. This made it hard for me to…

Self-compassion, a concept that’s become a game-changer for me. When I read Neff & Davidson’s (2016) work about self-kindness, especially during tough times, it felt like a lightbulb moment. For so long, my inner voice was my worst enemy, constantly putting me down. This negativity made me feel like I could never achieve anything, and…

Self-compassion means being kind to yourself when things are difficult, knowing that everyone makes mistakes and has challenges, and being aware of your pain without letting it take over. Practicing self-compassion can help you handle stress relive, by fostering a supportive inner dialogue and turning it into opportunities for growth rather than sources of self-criticism…