Benefits of Compassion
Though there is some debate scientifically, most researchers agree that compassion is associated with better short and long-term mental and physical health. So, can changing your daily behaviors to include more compassionate acts increase your overall happiness?
Researchers have shown that, yes, in fact it will. Why develop compassion in your life? Well, there are scientific studies that suggest there are physical benefits to practicing compassion.
People who practice it produce 100 percent more DHEA, which is a hormone that counteracts the aging process, and 23 percent less cortisol — the “stress hormone.” Also, if your happier you’ll attract happier people in your life and live more abundantly. True success is really about the joy you feel everyday – not anything more.
Definition of Compassion
Compassion is an emotion that is a sense of shared suffering, most often combined with a desire to alleviate or reduce the suffering of another; to show special kindness to those who suffer. Compassion essentially arises through empathy, and is often characterized through actions, wherein a person acting with compassion will seek to aid those they feel compassionate for.
The key to developing compassion in your life is to make it a daily practice.
Start with yourself first. Are you self critical? Hard on yourself when you make mistakes? Simply meditate or focus your thoughts on the things you have accomplished or what you like about yourself. You’ll find the more compassion you have for self – the more you have for others. The daily practice will become a habit and part of your life experience. A joyful experience that is.
The philosophy should be kindness not being right about a specific thing, person or event. Think about that when you interact with others. When you find your heart and emotions don’t agree about being kind, pray and ask for a healing and believe it! There’s nothing in the world like peace and compassion.
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8
