Corresponding to the Buddhist principle of mettā—a concept with no direct translation in English, compassion can be understood as a love that is essentially benevolent, pure, kind, gentle, unattached and universal.

When we cultivate compassion for ourselves, we enter into a healing state. Studies show the positive action of compassion on neurological, physiological and psychological structures and processes. Underpinned by the affiliative neurochemical systems and shown to activate feelings of connection and trust, compassion has been found to lower threat and stress responses and is associated with a shift in motivation from self-orientation to relational care. Other benefits reported include heightened positive emotions, improved emotional regulation, broadened attention, increased empathy and tolerance for the self and others, with reductions in criticism, judgement, blame and defensiveness.

What progress, you ask, have I made? I have begun to be a friend to myself.​

~ Seneca, Epistulae Morales Ad Lucilium

Compassion focused