LIFE IS TOUGH.

We are all sometimes faced with negative thoughts and feelings. We may self-criticize, fear failure, feel shame, or ruminate on mistakes or faults we have. These tend to provoke feelings of stress, sadness, frustration, or anxiety. To practice self-compassion is to be kind to ourselves to successfully prevent and manage these thoughts and emotions.

WE ARE ALL HUMAN.

Everyone feels pain, joy, sadness, fear, and anger – and we all make mistakes, have faults, and are imperfect. Compassion towards others entails accepting everyone as they are and expressing care towards them to prevent and attend suffering.

THE ENVIRONMENT NEEDS CARE TOO.

Having compassion towards the environment involves an understanding that our eco-system and all inhabitants on this planet deserve quality conditions of life.

Neuroscience is indicating that compassion is a skill
that we can all develop and strengthen

Compassion Increases

  • Social Connectedness
  • Friendships
  • Empathic Ability
  • Psychological Well-being
  • Physical Well-being
  • Cooperation
  • Positive Emotions
  • Intrinsic Motivation
  • Autonomy
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Happiness
  • Competence
  • Optimism
  • Resilience
  • Confidence
  • Self-esteem

Compassion Decreases

  • Bullying
  • Desires to punish others
  • Self-criticism
  • Rumination
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Perfectionism
  • Shame
  • Guilt
  • Fear of failure

OUR PROGRAM HAS A HIGH FOCUS ON MINDFULNESS

  • We involve topics such as:
  • Tailored Meditations
  • Common Humanity
  • Accepting and Enjoying Differences in Others and Self
  • Accepting Mistakes and Faults in Others and Self
  • Reducing and Preventing Pain in Others and Self
  • Eliciting Feelings of Love and Kindness
  • Interactions with children outside of school and pets
  • Child Handbook includes real-world assignments to practice compassionate thoughts and actions at home
  • Duration of one semester
  • Designed for second graders in elementary school

Behavioral Outcomes

  • Child is self-compassionate
  • Child is compassionate towards others
  • Child is compassionate towards the environment

Determinants Influenced

  • Attitudes/Beliefs
  • Skills/Self-efficacy
  • Perceived Social Norms

Methods used to influence Determinants

  • Guided Practice
  • Discussion
  • Consciousness
  • Empathy Training
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Arguments
  • Positive Reinforcements
  • Active Learning
  • Attitude Inoculation
  • Direct Experience
  • Repeated Exposure
  • Feedback
  • Implementation Intentions