EXERCISE: Horrible words (not for the faint-hearted).
Now let’s work on compassion
What is compassion?
Compassion is the act of being kind and empathetic towards ourselves.
Compassion calls upon us to engage with suffering by being sensitive and open to it, while also generating the feelings of kindness, affiliative connection and warmth that can soothe and alleviate suffering. (Gilbert and Choden, p. 156, 2014)
Being compassionate to ourselves and others can help build sustainable connections.
Below is a video to watch more about the compassionate theory:
DRIVE SYSTEM
Purpose: Motivates us towards resources
- Nuclus accumbens, striatum, basal ganglia
- Dopamine
Motivations: Wanting, seeking, aspiring, striving
Feelings: Excitement, desire, vitality
Behaviours: Approach, engagement
SOOTHING SYSTEM
Purpose: Allows social connectedness, bonding and management of distress
- Prefrontal cortex
- Opiates, Oxytocin
Motivations: Kindness, caring
Feelings: Soothed, content, wellbeing
Behaviours: Giving/receiving, affection, bonding, care
THREAT SYSTEM
Purpose: Threat detection & protection
- Amygdala
- Adrenaline, Cortisol
Motivations: Protection, safety-seeking
Feelings: Anger, anxiety, disgust, shame
Behaviours: Aggression, avoidance, submission