THE SCIENCE OF COMPASSION - By Sam Hopkins
Apr 26, 2023
THE SCIENCE OF COMPASSION
Compassion is a universal human quality that involves feeling empathy towards others who are suffering or in pain and an innate desire to help. It is not only a moral virtue, but also a scientific phenomenon with a wide range of benefits. Compassion towards all beings has a positive effect on individuals and society. Its practice can lead to a more fulfilling and harmonious life.
Studies have shown that compassion can be cultivated and trained, and that it activates specific regions of the brain that are associated with positive emotions and empathy. When we feel compassion, our brain releases oxytocin, which is also known as the “love hormone.” This hormone promotes social bonding, trust, and cooperation, and it has been linked to lower levels of stress and anxiety.
Practising compassion can lead to an increase in the size and activity of the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, attention, and self-control. This means that compassionate individuals may be more capable of making rational and ethical decisions, controlling their emotions, and regulating their behaviour.
COMPASSION AND BUSINESS
So, how do we, The Team at JPDV successfully weave the values of compassion and kindness through our elite Mental Performance Coaching business whilst ensuring outstanding results for our client base of CEO’s, High Performance Leaders and Entrepreneurs, that on the surface, may seem like an impossible task and juxtapose.
On a personal note, this took a lot of soul searching to find a place of alignment, coming from a holistic, natural health and healing background, to find a balance that aligned with my core values. The term that came to mind that really resonates with me on a deep level, that also works in terms of The JPDV Ethos is, “Courageous Compassion”
By combining our no nonsense, straight talking honest approach that breeds two-way trust and a deep sense of self-responsibility, Instilling confidence, clarity and the courage to be truly compassionate, with yourselves and those around you.
Winning in a fast-paced, ruthless world while maintaining your compassion and kindness means achieving your goals and succeeding in your endeavours without compromising your values. It requires a balanced approach that integrates both competitiveness and kindness.
Set goals that align with your values: Avoid setting goals that require you to harm others or compromise your values.
Focus on building positive relationships: Building strong relationships is essential in our current situation of increasing online interaction. Nurture your relationships by showing empathy, being supportive, and communicating effectively.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness helps you stay present and aware of your thoughts and emotions. It can help you remain centred and compassionate in high-pressure situations.
Embrace collaboration:
Collaboration is a powerful tool and a much-needed shift away from individualism and separation, in these times of increasing digital lifestyles. Work with others to achieve your goals and foster an environment of mutual support and respect.
Take care of yourself: Self-care is essential to maintaining your personal compassion and kindness. Make sure to take breaks, get enough rest, exercise, and eat healthy foods.
Lead by example: Lead by example and model the behaviour you want to see in others. Demonstrate your compassion and kindness by treating others with respect and empathy.
BENEFITS OF COMPASSION
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Compassion is a powerful tool for personal growth and self-improvement. helping us develop emotional intelligence, expand our perspective, and enhance our relationships with others. When we are compassionate, we are more likely to listen to others, understand their perspective, and communicate effectively. Helping us to overcome negative emotions such as anger, resentment, and jealousy. By cultivating compassion, we can develop a more positive outlook on life and increase our resilience to adversity. This can lead to a greater sense of purpose and fulfilment.
WEALTH
Compassion can also have a positive impact on our wealth and financial success. When we are compassionate towards others, we are more likely to build trust, establish meaningful connections, and develop long-lasting relationships. This can be particularly beneficial in business, where relationships and trust are key factors in success. Compassionate individuals tend to be more creative and innovative, as they are more likely to think outside the box and come up with novel solutions to problems, leading to new opportunities, increased productivity, and ultimately, greater financial success.
HEALTH
Compassion has also been linked to numerous health benefits, both physical and psychological. Studies show that compassionate people tend to have lower levels of inflammation, a stronger immune system, and a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Additionally, practising compassion has been found to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which can have a significant impact on our overall health and wellbeing. By reducing the negative effects of stress on the body, we can improve our sleep, boost our energy levels, and enhance our mental clarity and focus.
HAPPINESS
Finally, compassion is strongly linked to happiness and life satisfaction. When we practice compassion, we experience positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, and contentment. These emotions can lead to a greater sense of fulfilment, purpose, and happiness. When we are compassionate towards others, we are more likely to receive compassion in return, which can enhance our own happiness and wellbeing. This can create a positive feedback loop, where our compassion leads to greater happiness, which in turn inspires us to be even more compassionate.
WHAT DOES COURAGEOUS COMPASSION LOOK LIKE?
Stand up for what is right: Showing courageous compassion often means standing up for what is right, even when it's difficult or unpopular. This may involve speaking out against injustice, discrimination, or abuse, even when others are silent or complicit. And in courageous self-compassion, choosing a path that may be more difficult or seemingly nonsensical to others, that allows you to fully aligned in your own truth and souls' calling. It requires courage to confront these issues head-on, but doing so will make a significant difference in your life and the lives of those around you.
OTHER WAYS TO CULTIVATE COURAGEOUS COMPASSION
Listen with empathy: Show courageous compassion by listening with empathy. This means putting yourself in someone else's shoes, acknowledging their perspective and feelings. It requires you to set aside your own biases and preconceptions and to be fully present in the moment. When you listen with empathy, you create a safe space for others to share their challenges, showing them that you care about their well-being.
Take action to help others: Courageous compassion also involves taking action to help others, even when it's inconvenient or uncomfortable. This may mean volunteering your time or resources to support a cause you believe in, or it could be as simple as reaching out to someone who is struggling and offering to lend a hand. When you take action to help others, you show them that they are not alone, and you demonstrate your commitment to making the world a better place.
Self-compassion: Often the most challenging, showing courageous compassion. This means being kind and understanding towards yourself, even when you make mistakes or face challenges. It requires you to acknowledge your own limitations and imperfections, while working to be your best self. When you practice self-compassion, you model healthy behaviour for others and create a culture of kindness and understanding.
Stand up for yourself: Setting clear personal boundaries, speaking up when you feel disrespected or mistreated, or advocating for your own needs and desires. It requires you to be assertive and confident, even in the face of opposition. When you stand up for yourself, you show others that you value yourself and that you are deserving of respect and consideration.
LIVING IN COURAGEOUS COMPASSION
Writing this blog post has been such a privilege, as J.P. and I share a deep personal core value of compassion and kindness to all beings, one of the ways we choose to contribute is through a plant-based lifestyle, infusing this and other practices within the JPDV Brand, to cultivate courageous compassion. This also extends to all humans and meeting all where they are currently at, without judgement, simply a passion to share what we have learned, to lead by example and courageously share our message.
Adopting a plant-based lifestyle is the compassionate choice for the animals, as it reduces the demand for animal products and minimizes the harm caused to them. By choosing plant-based alternatives, we can reduce our impact on animal welfare and help to create a more compassionate world.
In addition to the health and ethical benefits, a plant-based lifestyle can also provide increased energy levels and improved physical performance. Plant-based foods are typically high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, rich in antioxidants, which reduces inflammation, promotes faster recovery from exercise and boost energy levels.
And most importantly expanding our support to grass roots animal welfare organizations and Charity: Contributing to the protection and welfare of animals on a global scale. So I ask you all; "How are you choosing to live in Courageous Compassion?"
Sam Hopkins, at JPDV HQ, in Phuket 2023.
YOUR NEXT ACTION
Get clear on your core values with our Values Assessment Guide and ensure you are living in alignment. And for a deeper dive, book a Clarity Call with one of our Master Coaches.
Written by:
SAM HOPKINS – MASTER COACH
JPDV – Mental Performance Coaching
