The word compassion itself derives from Latin and means “to suffer together.”
Empathy refers more to the general ability to take another person’s perspective and feel the emotions of others.
Think of compassion as a revved-up, more active form of empathy.
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Is everything OK?"
It’s empathy in action.
Showing compassion to yourself and others can strengthen relationships, increase happiness, and lower stress.
Start by listening without judgment, offering to help, and practicing gratitude.
Focus on being patient and showing forgiveness (for others and yourself) for mistakes.
Think of compassion like a muscle: The more you practice, the stronger it will become.
If you recognize their pain, that’s empathy.
If understanding their pain causes you to take steps to relieve it, that’s compassion.
These feelings compel you to take action to do what you could to make the situation better.
Self-Compassion
Self-compassionis all about giving yourself grace instead criticism.
It involves being able to acknowledge your weaknesses or failures without being judgmental or critical.
You might feel awkward or uncomfortable or worry about making the situation worse.
When you practice compassion, you start by empathizing with another person’s situation.
You look at what they are going through without judgment and imagine how you might feel in their situation.
Compassion and empathy share common elements, but compassion goes a step beyond.
Rather than just imagining yourself in their shoes, compassion drives you to take action to help that person.
Being the recipient of compassion can help you get the support you oughta carry you through a difficult time.
But giving compassion to others can be just as rewarding.
Engaging in activities such as volunteering to help those you feel compassion for can improve your longevity.
It can also protect yourinterpersonal relationships.
Research suggests that compassion is a key predictor of the success and satisfaction of relationships.
What does that mean, exactly?
It suggests that compassion is its own reward.
Recap
Compassion is good for both your physical and mental health.
Imagine yourself in their shoes.
Practice putting yourself in someone elses place and imagine how you might feel.
Focus on feeling how they might be feeling.
Let Go of Judgment
Accepting people as they are and avoiding judgment is important.
Focus on accepting people for who they are without criticizing orblaming the victim.
Research suggests that mindfulness-based interventions can be effective for improving self-compassion.
Research suggests that this form of meditation can help people improve their connection to others and boost well-being.
What Is Compassion Fatigue?
Compassion fatigueinvolves feelings of physical and emotional exhaustion as well as a mental withdrawal from traumatized individuals.
It can reduce feelings of empathy and compassion for people who are in need of help.
Because of this, helpers can experience symptoms oftraumathemselves.
It can potentially dampen their feelings of compassion.
Combating compassion fatigue is particularly important in healthcare and other helping professions.
Being open to feeling what others are feeling can help you create deeper, more meaningful connections.
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