The Little Prince on Kindness

“One sees clearly only with the heart.”

“You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.”

“It is the time you have lost for your rose that makes your rose so important.”

From the story book: The Little Prince, a worthwhile read.

Compassion affects your health.

Research by expert psychologists Ed Diener and Martin Seligman stipulate that social connectedness 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.

One large-scale study agreed that a lack of social connectedness predicts vulnerability to disease and death above and beyond traditional risk factors such as smoking, blood pressure, obesity and lack of physical activity ie having good relationships is better for you than going for a run!

And…just like physical fitness, compassion can be cultivated and maintained. Regular compassion meditation practice is shown to reduce negative neuroendocrine, inflammatory and behavioural responses to psychosocial stress. Feeling compassion for others not only strengthens one’s compassion but brings countless benefits to oneself and others.

Researchers have shown that it is not just personal benefits we receive from exercising compassion. Others are inspired when they see our compassionate actions and in turn become more likely to help others in a positive feedback loop.

At some point in our lives, we all inevitably encounter suffering. The philosophies of Yoga and Buddhism truly understand this, and try and teach us ways to overcome and face this fact. The virtues of altruism, compassion, friendliness, equanimity and joy help us immensely to rise above suffering.

Thank you to all those taking part in the compassion 21 day yoga therapy challenge. Every thought counts!

ABC RADIO INTERVIEW with Celia Roberts on Yoga Therapy and Chronic Pain