4 Ways To Make Compassion Contagious

“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”

Mahatma Gandhi

After yesterday’s attack in Orlando, it is easy to lose faith in humanity; but we must not give up on our fellow man. We can each do our part to make compassion flourish within ourselves and within our communities.

Here are ways to spread compassion in our world:

1 – Post/tweet/share messages of kindness and empathy

Harness the power of social media for GOOD. Spread ideas of love and compassion, and resist the temptation to engage in finger-pointing. Be mindful of the words you choose, and choose kindness over being “right”.

You can inspire others by sharing your own stories and photos of compassion. (Be sure to use the hashtag #compassionit!)

Looking for positive content to share? Check out our friends at GOOD Magazine.

2 – Be present, then “compassion it”

Put down your phone, shut your laptop, and notice your surroundings. Can you see anyone who could use a pick-me-up? Your actions will create a ripple effect of goodness in your community.

3 – Just sit there

Athletes use visualization practices to prepare for sporting events, and you can use a similar technique to rehearse compassion. Try a compassion meditation to help you foster compassionate feelings toward yourself and others.

To learn about science-backed benefits of lovingkindness meditation, check out this post by Emma Seppala, Ph.D.

4 – Sign the Charter for Compassion

Join Richard Branson, Sir Ken Robinson, the Dalai Lama and others by signing the Charter for Compassion. Make your pledge to lead a compassionate life.

Join me in spreading compassion throughout our world. Compassion begins with YOU.

If you’d like to cultivate compassion while supporting our compassion education programs, please visit our website to purchase reversible wristbands for yourself and your community.