Glossary / Lexicon

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:

1. Comforting a friend who is going through a difficult time, such as a breakup or the loss of a loved one.
2. Donating money or volunteering time to help victims of natural disasters or other crises.
3. Offering support and resources to someone struggling with mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
4. Speaking out against injustice or discrimination and working to create positive change in society.
5. Providing care and assistance to someone who is sick or disabled, such as a family member or friend.
6. A nurse comforting a patient who is going through a difficult medical procedure.
7. A teacher showing understanding and empathy to a student who is struggling with personal problems.
8. A friend offering emotional support to another friend who has experienced a loss or trauma.
9. A volunteer helping to rebuild homes after a natural disaster.
10. 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.