Compassion Is The Medicine We Need

I love nerding out on what conditions create a healing brain state. I was delighted to discover that the brain isn’t some isolated, cognitive-only system, but a creative, magical world that is one with the body and knows to move towards transformation when it’s ready.

In my time sitting with people as a therapist, I have been so amazed by what can emerge for people when compassion is present. Compassion is literally the medicine we need. In the brain, compassion releases soothing neurochemicals called GABA to the subcortical brain (aka our subconscious brain that holds our trauma memories and emotions) and lessens the emotional pain we’re experiencing. Judgment releases excitatory neurochemicals that fires up our emotions and makes us feel more reactive and in more pain.

For me, I know judgment is easier to reach. So it’s a courageous act when I actively choose compassion. Compassion might not always make me feel better because sometimes things are really hard, but it sure doesn’t have me feeling messed up the way judgment can.

🪷 How might you be courageous in choosing self-compassion over judgment today?
🪷 What gets in the way of compassion for you?

Stay tuned for tips on how to increase your capacity for self compassion!