10 From GEM:
10 Ways To Cultivate Compassionate
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
—Dalai Lama
Being compassionate requires that you take a good look at the sufferings and problems of other people, but it’s not about feeling pity or sorry for someone. It goes much deeper than that. True compassion requires that one not only recognize suffering, but also do something altruistic to help alleviate it. One who practices compassion never fails to invite joy and fulfillment into her life. Need to build your capacity for compassion? Follow one, two, or all of these steps and watch yours blossom.
10. Practice Compassion With Someone Who Doesn’t Deserve It
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Photo Credit: Creative Commons/madstreetz
It’s pretty easy to feel empathy and compassion for nice people. If someone treats you well, you usually want to meet kindness with more kindness. You know you have strengthened your compassion muscle when you can find compassion for someone who has mistreated you. It’s important to remember that people who mistreat others are suffering within and need compassion, too. Of course, that’s easier said than done, but that’s why you have to practice. Do you have other strategies for cultivating your compassion? Share your ideas below.
