Compassion is a powerful emotion that involves feeling another person’s pain and wanting to take steps to help relieve their suffering. The word compassion itself derives from Latin and means "to suffer together."1 It is related to other emotions such as sympathy, empathy, and altruism, although the concepts have some key differences.
Empathy refers more to the general ability to take another person’s perspective and feel the emotions of others. Compassion, on the other hand, is what happens when those feelings of empathy are accompanied by the desire to help.2
Compassion can also be directed inwardly toward yourself. This is called self-compassion and it involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would show to others. Rather than beating yourself up over mistakes you may have made in the past, you feel mindful, accepting, and forgiving of yourself and your imperfections.3
Why Is Compassion Important?
Compassion is not only a noble virtue but also a practical skill that can enhance your well-being, relationships, and happiness. Here are some of the benefits of practicing compassion:
• Compassion can reduce stress and anxiety. When you are compassionate toward yourself, you are less likely to engage in harsh self-criticism, rumination, or perfectionism that can trigger negative emotions. When you are compassionate toward others, you are more likely to cope with difficult situations by offering support and seeking help rather than avoiding or blaming.
• Compassion can increase happiness and satisfaction. When you practice compassion, you experience positive emotions such as gratitude, joy, and love. These emotions can boost your mood and make you feel more connected to others. Research has shown that compassionate people tend to be happier, more optimistic, and more satisfied with their lives than less compassionate people.
• Compassion can improve health and longevity. Compassion can have beneficial effects on your physical health as well. Studies have found that compassion can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and promote healing. Compassion can also increase your lifespan by reducing the risk of chronic diseases and enhancing your social support.
• Compassion can foster positive relationships. Compassion can help you build trust, empathy, and intimacy with others. When you are compassionate, you are more likely to communicate effectively, listen attentively, apologize sincerely, forgive easily, and cooperate willingly. These behaviors can strengthen your bonds with your family, friends, partner, co-workers, and even strangers.
How Can You Practice Compassion?
Compassion is not something that you either have or don’t have. It is a skill that you can learn and cultivate with practice. Here are some ways that you can practice compassion in your daily life:
• Speak with kindness. Use words that express care, respect, and appreciation for yourself and others. Avoid words that hurt, judge, or blame yourself or others.
• Apologize when you’ve made a mistake. Admit your fault and take responsibility for your actions. Express regret and ask for forgiveness. Try to make amends and learn from your mistake.
• Listen carefully and without judgment. Pay attention to what the other person is saying and feeling. Try to understand their perspective and empathize with their emotions. Don’t interrupt or offer unsolicited advice unless asked.
• Encourage other people. Recognize their strengths and achievements. Praise their efforts and support their goals. Help them overcome their challenges and celebrate their successes.
• Offer to help someone with a task. Volunteer your time or skills to assist someone who needs it. It could be something simple like holding a door open or something more involved like tutoring a student.
• Be happy for someone else’s success. Don’t feel envious or resentful when someone else does well or achieves something that you want. Instead, feel genuinely happy for them and congratulate them sincerely.
• Accept people for who they are. Don’t try to change or control other people’s thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. Respect their choices and preferences even if they are different from yours.
• Forgive people for making mistakes. Don’t hold grudges or seek revenge when someone hurts you or lets you down. Understand that everyone makes mistakes and has flaws. Let go of anger and resentment and move on with your life.
• Show respect. Treat everyone with dignity and courtesy regardless of their age, gender, race, religion, or status. Honor their rights and opinions even if you disagree with them.
• Express gratitude and appreciation. Thank people for what they do for you or give you. Show them that you value their presence in your life.
• Be patient. Don’t get frustrated or angry when things don’t go your way or when people don’t meet your expectations. Understand that everything takes time and effort and that everyone has their own pace and style.
Compassion is a powerful emotion that can make your life easier and happier by reducing stress, increasing happiness, improving health, and fostering positive relationships. Compassion is not only a noble virtue but also a practical skill that you can learn and cultivate with practice. By practicing compassion toward yourself and others, you can enhance your well-being, connect with others, and make a positive difference in the world.
