Compassion

This program is about receiving and practicing compassion, both for ourselves and for others. The session includes a guided loving-kindness meditation.

Member Preparation

In preparation for this session, take some time to think about compassion, and some times in your life when you have either received compassion or acted compassionately.

These questions provide ways you may want to approach this topic. Remember to focus on just one or two of the questions, if you choose to use them, as this will allow you to explore the topic in more depth.

  • Think of time in your life when you were moved to compassion or when someone unexpected had compassion for you. How did feeling or receiving compassion affect your life? Your attitudes? Your perceptions? Your actions?
  • What does it mean to have compassion for yourself? For others? For friends and family? For strangers? For enemies? Which of these is most challenging and why?
  • How do you define compassion? What is the difference between compassionate feelings and compassionate actions?
  • How might we cultivate compassion in our daily lives?

Special Materials

Bring a copy of the poem “Kindness” by Naomi Shihab Nye for the opening reading.
The poem is available online at one of the following sites: Spirituality and Practice or Elise.com.

Further Exploration