What gets in the way of compassion?
Many of us aspire to be more compassionate in our own lives, and to build a more compassionate society. In doing so, we work hard to overcome barriers that keep us from being motivated to help those around us—the overwhelm, apathy, and divisions.
But we don’t often think about the obstacles that might keep someone from comfortably receiving compassion. Yet research suggests that some people actually fear becoming the targets of compassion, and it may be hurting their mental health. Here’s why some of us resist help—and what we can do to open ourselves up to compassion from other people.
A recent study published in the journal Mindfulness explores how the fear of receiving compassion can affect people’s behavior in difficult times. To read more from EMILIANA R. SIMON-THOMAS, click here.