We push ourselves hard nowadays, compare ourselves to others on social media, feel inadequate and are afraid of not being good enough or of failing. With the help of self-compassion, we can face difficulties in life with warmth, kindness, care and understanding. Instead of with self-criticism and placing demands on ourselves to achieve even more.
We know that physical exercise is important for our well-being. Modern neuroscience demonstrates that we also can exercise our brain to increase wellness. With The Compassion Effectthe author offers several pathways for developing inner safety. Yin yoga and restorative yoga are introduced as supportive practices for cultivating embodied compassion. By activating our body’s soothing and safeness system we make wiser decisions, find courage to make changes and become more skillful at living in the present moment.
The science of compassion is expanding worldwide and The Compassion Effectis based on compassion theory from various traditions and approaches. Research has found that practicing compassion has positive effects and benefits for our health, well-being and relationships.
Christina Andersson is a licensed psychologist and a PhD student at the institution of clinical neuroscience at the Swedish university Karolinska Institutet. She is affiliated to the research center Art, Business and Culture at the Stockholm School of Economics. Christina is also a co-founder of the Center for Social Sustainability, an interdisciplinary research center at Karolinska Institutet.