An Open-Hearted Life: Transformative Methods for Compassionate Living from a Clinical Psychologist and a Buddhist Nun

each morning before getting out of bed:“Today I will do my best to show kindness and compassion to those with whom I interact.”“Today I will try to be less judgmental.”

We must all learn to live together as brothers or we will perish together as fools. This is the great challenge of the hour. This is true of individuals. It is true of nations. No individual can live alone. No nation can live alone. —MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

Viewing the world with compassion allows us to relinquish the need to judge and shame ourselves or other people for having entirely human feelings. Instead, we can learn to balance our emotions so we will be at our best.

Imagine acting with the sincere motivation to make the world around you a kinder, happier place and to reduce the suffering of those you interact with.

Compassion Focused Therapy,

Over time, pausing to consciously cultivate a compassionate motivation before we act transforms our mental state, assisting us to make wise decisions and enhancing our lives.

As parents and teachers, we can guide and occasionally discipline children with the motivation to help them develop qualities that will serve them well as they grow in life.

Buddhist teachers encourage us to examine our motives before we act, making sure they are not selfish or unkind, and that our ultimate goal is to benefit others and free them from suffering. Imagine acting with the motivation to free all beings—including yourself—from suffering.