Compassion, Empathy and Sympathy

There is no judgement in compassion. We feel other people's pain and we know and can feel they need help. And we help. Compassion always comes with empathy. It drives connectivity between people.

Empathy is firstly not to judge the other person’s situation and then to relate to their emotion or suffering in such a way that you can support them and love them for what they are going through. Giving them the space to feel their emotions.

The main difference between empathy and sympathy is understanding a feeling versus actually experiencing another’s feelings Instead, you are able to understand what the person is feeling. For example, if someone’s father has passed away, you may not be able to viscerally feel that person’s pain. However, you can employ your cognitive skills and emotional intelligence to understand that your friend is sad.

When we fail something feels off and we might feel self-isolated and cut off, Feel alone in our suffering. But with self-compassion, it becomes an opportunity for us to accept it and not be hard on ourselves. Promotes general well being.

With it also comes Mindfulness - the mindfulness to turn towards it (you're feelings and emotions) and acknowledge it in a balanced way and deal with it. Self-soothing and self-care oppose self-criticism and are healthier.

Depression, poor self-esteem and other negative states is a lack of self-compassion. Self-compassion can be linked to self-motivation more so than criticism and harsh judgement.

Links:
https://bigthink.com/ideafeed/compassion-is-an-action-not-an-emotion

https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/the-clarity/201703/compassion-is-better-empathy

https://chopra.com/articles/whats-the-difference-between-empathy-sympathy-and-compassion

https://chopra.com/articles/how-to-practice-compassion-when-it-seems-impossible