Oriental tradition has always talked about compassion as one of the most important virtues for living a fruitful life. However, recently, even medical and scientific research also backs up this philosophy and highlights the benefits of practicing compassion.
Being compassionate not only makes you find true happiness and peace but also makes you physically much healthier.
Some scientists say that humans have a “compassion gene,” which means humans’ survival is impossible without practicing compassion at some levels.
But people often misinterpret the true meaning of compassion. So, what is it?
What is Compassion?
Compassion can be defined as having empathy for understanding others’ sufferings while also taking steps to help them.
A compassionate person does not say that people are responsible for their sufferings but try to understand the root cause and help them solve those problems.
In other words, it can be defined as “suffering from another person and having a strong desire to relieve the person from their sufferings.”
Human beings can feel empathy and compassion towards other beings. But should you be compassionate only because research says so?
For making compassion a part of your life, you must check out the following reasons that will make you want to be compassionate to everyone.
You will be surprised to see the benefits!
Your Overall Stress Levels Reduces
Research on compassion training programs highlighted that compassionate people in their daily lives have lower levels of stress hormones.
This also helps in improving the response of the immune system in them.
How do your stress levels reduce by practicing compassion?
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- Your body generates happy hormones after helping someone.
- You are at peace with yourself because you know you are doing the right thing.
- You have a positive feeling in your body & mind.
Creates a Calm and Peaceful Atmosphere Around You
When you are compassionate towards people around you, you will notice a sense of calm and serenity within yourself and your surroundings.
It will also nurture harmonious and meaningful relationships with your friends and family.
Ultimately, it all leads to a peaceful mind and body relationship leading to good health.
Improves Your Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence or EQ is one of the most important characteristics in present times. Even companies focus on hiring employees with high EQ because they are known to make amazing leaders.
Compassion can improve your EQ levels because it means you care about others and are not just focused on needs.
If you are compassionate, it means you understand not only the pains of others but also take steps to help them.
How Can You Practice Compassion?
Are you worried that you are not inherently compassionate and might not be able to develop it? If yes, do not worry!
Compassion is like any other thing and can be easily inculcated in your personality with practice.
Here are some of the tips to help you:
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- Try to see a situation from different vantage points
- Leave your judgments aside
- Be a good listener
- Be more present
- Practice being kind to people
If you keep these points in mind, you will practice compassion without forcing yourself too much.
Remember that forcing yourself too much might make you frustrated, so enjoy the process and be yourself.
Final Words
To sum up, practicing compassion can have many proven benefits such as improved health, increased happiness, reduction in stress levels, improvement in social relations, and much more.
So, compassion does matter!
Tell us what your experience has been with compassion. It can be something that you experienced yourself or a story from someone that you heard.
We will be happy to know your thoughts on it. So, please write to us without hesitation!
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