What you will take from this article
An understanding of what compassion actually is,Using the right words,
How to develop a compassionate mind,
Practical ideas to try,
Final thoughts,
When we think about compassion do we immediately turn to the idea that compassion is love. Your thoughts may include love for your family and partner or love for friends or even your pets.
Compassion at a basic level can be seen as love for others and often love for those less fortunate. However, compassion can be so much more than an emotional response.
Compassion can be -
Words are at their most powerful when used for good and in a compassionate way. The be-kind movement has taught us to use our words compassionately rather with anger and spite.
Strong words you can use to strengthen your compassionate mind may include: How can I help you?
What can I do for you? I really value your time / opinion, I can be here for you if you need to talk.
If we look at the key words; help, do, value, time, opinion, here, need. This choice of language creates action and positive dialogue and responses. Remember focus on others rather than yourself, you can become a more compassionate person.
To develop a compassionate mind, you need to work on the ‘whole-self’ which includes your word choices but so much more.
It’s is important to educate yourself about others, this could be different cultures and societies. It could be differences of how others perceive the world. There have been certain studies that show meditation can help you be a more compassionate person.
It is known that good meditative practice can engage certain parts of the brain that deal with understanding, emotional regulation and empathy. The question is why wouldn’t you want to be more compassionate and turn into a positive person?
Ask yourself this question daily and you will slowly improve your mindset.
Like you would train your body to be healthier you should never neglect your mind. So how can you develop a compassionate brain?
Below you will find a few ideas to try -
Some people have more compassion than others, however, you can unlock your ‘emotional power button’ through reflection by mediating and practical ways including the use of language day to day.
It is quite common to say ‘I am going to get fit or eat better’ as a goal or target. What about saying to yourself ‘I am going to be more compassionate’, see where this journey takes you.