I came across a very inspiring video that offers insight into an important topic of positive psychology. You can watch the video below.

In this recent TED talk, author, ecologist, teacher, and Zen Buddhism priest Joan Halifax shares the virtues of compassion and empathy, and how these traits are necessary for our existence and a fruitful future.

Compassion is how we connect with others in times of grief and despair. It allows us to take action and have the strength to alter others’ suffering. It also supports us in being resilient and persevering through difficult times.

Compassion allows us to make our community a better place. It connects us to others’ pain in a way where we want to make a positive difference in their lives.

Compassion can benefit almost any relationship, though there are many areas where a compassionate nature can be utilized most constructively. If you work in a social services field or are a teacher, compassion can help you maintain the strength to encourage others as you benevolently serve them.

Compassion is how we can raise prosocial children and work through times when we are a struggling parent.

It can be easy to lose compassion if you get burnt out and overwhelmed with stress, so understanding this virtue offers insight into how it can be fostered.

According to Joan Halifax we all have compassion within us but it must be nurtured. We need to learn what compassion is and how to incorporate this into our lives. By overcoming fear and disdain toward others we can begin to experience greater compassion and our kindhearted nature can blossom.

Please enjoy this video and leave any thoughts or discussion points below.

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Shake Off the Grind (September 11, 2011)

From Psych Central's website:
PsychCentral (September 11, 2011)

Doris Fone (September 11, 2011)

Mental Health Social (September 11, 2011)

M. Price-Mitchell (September 12, 2011)

Carolina Aramburo (September 12, 2011)

Urban Zen (September 12, 2011)

From Psych Central's website:
Considering a Moral Obligation to Cultivate Compassion – PsychCentral.com (blog) | Daily Information, Inspiration, and Motivation for Success in Life and Business (September 13, 2011)

From Psych Central's website:
PsychCentral (September 13, 2011)

Dr Sampurna Roy (March 25, 2012)

    Last reviewed: 12 Sep 2011