Uncover Compassion

 

If you read the whole of this Einstein quote you will see that Einstein was telling us to look beyond our personal circle. He challenges us to move past those we love and care about and begin to show compassion to the world.

Embracing with compassion should not be a difficult task we work toward achieving, but rather a daily ritual we embrace with ease.

In a 2013 interview Jon Kabat-Zinn (who is considered the father of modern mindfulness) shared his views on compassion and how it connects to mindfulness. Jon shared that mindfulness does not build up compassion but rather uncovers what is already there. He went on to share that mindfulness simplifies and helps us embody who we are at our core.

The more we utilize mindfulness to embody and embrace our inner compassion the more positive emotions we will experience.

In a 2005 study presented in the International Journal of Stress Management, research was presented regarding mindfulness and self-compassion. The study utilized counseling psychology students and asked them to practice mindfulness and then rate such things as; self-compassion, stress, negative emotions, and positive emotions. The students reported an increase in self-compassion and positive emotions and a decrease in negative emotions and stress.

When we practice mindfulness we increase our ability to experience self-compassion and we uncover our compassion for others.

This month I encourage you to practice mindfulness for yourself as well as with your students. 

Last year our mindful moral focus wall focused on a mindfulness practice called RAIN, the RAIN of self-compassion.

R: Recognize what is going on

A: Allow the experience to be there, just as it is

I: Investigate with interest and care

N: Nurture with self-compassion

Take some time this month to sit in the RAIN of self-compassion.