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HOW CAN MINDFULNESS SUPPORT COMPASSION FOR OTHERS?
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Compassion means to "suffer together.” It is the ability to feel the pain of others and be moved to do something about it. It is a skill that takes practice and can be developed. Compassion is also good for us. Compassion supports mental and physical well-being "and speeds up recovery from disease; furthermore, research by Stephanie Brown, at Stony Brook University, and Sara Konrath, at the University of Michigan, has shown that it may even lengthen our lifespan.”
Compassion also supports greater connection to others and helps us feel a sense of belonging. Research findings suggest, “people who feel more connected to others have lower rates of anxiety and depression; studies show that they also have higher self-esteem, are more empathic to others, are more trusting and cooperative and, as a consequence, others are more open to trusting and cooperating with them.” By practicing mindfulness and compassion, we can tap into something greater than ourselves. In other words, compassion helps us trust and feel more connected to others.
Paul Ekman, professor emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco, describes different kinds of compassion. In his taxonomy of compassion he describes familial, global, sentient, and heroic compassion. He explains our ability to emotionally resonate with others and be compassionate begins through familial connection. The seed of compassion is "planted through the caregiver-offspring bond.” If that seed of is not planted, he believes Charles Darwin and the Dalai Lama would say that individual is going to struggle in life. As educators and caregivers we can help our children nurture this seed and perhaps even plant it by practicing mindfulness and compassionate awareness of others and ourselves.
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FOR YOU
Self-Compassion
In this practice we will explore ways to be kind and curious toward our harshest critic: ourselves!. Click below for a guided practice.
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FOR YOUR KIDS
Caring Feelings
Compassion can help us connect more deeply to ourselves and those around us. It’s also a skill to practice and develop. Click below for a guided practice.
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RESOURCES
Heroic Compassion
Listen to Paul Ekman explain what makes certain forms of compassion heroic. Click below to watch the short video.
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UPCOMING CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
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Check out upcoming webinars, seminars, or other workshops you might find relevant.
- New York, NY: Level One Training, Foundations of Children's Yoga: Creating Safe and Engaging Experiences, March. 14, 2018
- Skillman, NJ: Level Two Training: Teaching the Whole Child: Compassion, Creativity and Mindfulness, March 10, 2018
- Spokane, WA: Yoga and Mindfulness for Kids: Improve Emotional Regulation and Increase Attention, March 20, 2017
- Lynwood, WA: Yoga and Mindfulness for Kids: Improve Emotional Regulation and Increase Attention, March 21, 2017
- Tacoma, WA: Yoga and Mindfulness for Kids: Improve Emotional Regulation and Increase Attention, March 22, 2017
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We are so glad to have you as part of the Mindful Monday program. If you have any suggestions about how we can make things better, support you more, or meet your needs most effectively, please don't hesitate to be in touch! Happy Teaching and Learning!
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