Compassion is defined as "feeling with" another person that involves presence, active listening, and empathy.
Compassion is a psychological and emotional response to the suffering of others, accompanied by a desire to alleviate that suffering. It involves a deep concern for the well-being of others and a willingness to take action to help them, even if it comes at a personal cost.
Compassion is often viewed as a core component of empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. However, while empathy involves feeling what others feel, compassion goes a step further by motivating action to alleviate suffering.
Examples of compassion include:
- Comforting a friend who is going through a difficult time, such as a breakup or the loss of a loved one.
- Donating money or volunteering time to help victims of natural disasters or other crises.
- Offering support and resources to someone struggling with mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
- Speaking out against injustice or discrimination and working to create positive change in society.
- Providing care and assistance to someone who is sick or disabled, such as a family member or friend.
- A nurse comforting a patient who is going through a difficult medical procedure.
- A teacher showing understanding and empathy to a student who is struggling with personal problems.
- A friend offering emotional support to another friend who has experienced a loss or trauma.
- A volunteer helping to rebuild homes after a natural disaster.
- A therapist providing a safe and non-judgmental space for a client to explore and process their emotions.
Compassion is considered an important component of positive psychology, as it has been linked to a range of benefits, including improved well-being, greater happiness, and stronger relationships. It can also have positive effects on physical health, such as reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system.