I know that’s a funny question because we all assume we can be compassionate. Really?

Compassion is “a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering” (Dictionary.com). Without compassion, you cannot really understand how to relate to others or how they feel.

Do you know how to help alleviate the suffering of another in a caring or sensitive way? Some of the smallest acts of kindness can speak volumes about compassion: a warm hug, conversation (more listening), a word of encouragement, etc.

Genuine heart-felt emotions and tender non-verbal actions can have far reaching effects and rewards. Something as small as a smile can warm your heart and touch the heart of another.

Do you fear showing others your own feelings or disclosing your compassionate responses to others?

Dr. Kristin Neff, Associate Professor of Human Development and Culture at the University of Texas at Austin, has developed a test to score compassion. See how your compassion rates: http://www.self-compassion.org/test-your-self-compassion-level.html.

Go on, you can do it!
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