Lessons on Compassion:  Why It’s Good for Us and How We Can Do More of It

A Story of Compassion Among so much disheartening news these days, once in a while there is a bright spot of news that is truly heart-warming.  Such was the case when I read about, and watched on video 21-year-old Naomi Osaka’s act of kindness and compassion toward 15 year old Coco Gauff at the U.S. Open. After losing in the third round at the U.S. Open, Coco was on the sidelines completely defeated and unsuccessfully trying to fight back tears. Naomi immediately went over to her in this moment of suffering and offered kind words to her, and then invited her to be part of the post-match interview (which is usually only for the victors). During that interview, Naomi became teary as she spoke to Coco’s parents in the audience, recalling being at the same training facility as Coco, and acknowledging Coco’s hard work, and how both they (the parents) and Coco are “amazing.” Surprising Benefits of Compassion Interestingly, by expressing compassion, not only does the recipient of the compassion benefit, but so too, does the one giving compassion. Some of these many benefits to the person expressing compassion include reduced levels of cellular inflammation, increased perceptions of happiness and an experience of pleasure, a buffering effect against stress, an increase in longevity, a broadening ability to see a wider perspective outside of oneself, and increasing feelings of social connection (which in and of itself has major implications for health and well-being). Empat...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Friends Mindfulness Relationships Compassion Loving Kindness Meditation Source Type: blogs