"If we say, [the] practice of compassion is something holy, nobody [will] listen," said the Dalai Lama in a recent interview. "If [we] say, warm-heartedness... reduce[s] your blood pressure, your anxiety, your too much stress, [and that] your health [will] improve, then people pay attention."

Someone who's paying particularly close attention is Dr. James Doty, Director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University. In a recent column, Doty highlighted the work being done by psychologists Ed Diener and Martin Seligman indicating that the social connectedness fostered by compassion "is a predictor of longer life, faster recovery from disease, higher levels of happiness and well-being, and a greater sense of purpose and meaning." He goes on to say that, "While survival of the fittest may lead to short-term gain, research clearly shows it is survival of the kindest that leads to the long-term survival of a species." Read more...

Compassion meditation involves silently repeating certain phrases that express the intention to move from judgment to caring, from isolation to connection, from indifference or dislike to understanding. You don't have to force a particular feeling or get rid of unpleasant or undesirable reactions; the power of the practice is in the wholehearted gathering of attention and energy, and concentrating on each phrase. You can begin with a 20-minute session and increase the time gradually until you are meditating for half an hour at a time. If your mind wanders, don't be concerned. Notice whatever has captured your attention, let go of the thought or feeling, and simply return to the phrases. If you have to do that over and over again, it is fine.  Read more

Gayathri Ramprasad, MBA, CPS, is not a doctor, therapist or health care professional. She is a mental health advocate and Certified Peer Specialist (CPS). The information shared in this E-mail is for general information purposes only and therefore not intended to replace the medical advice afforded by physicians or other healthcare professionals.