Compassion Creates Change

by Dr. Denise Trudeau Poskas

 

(Image via Shutterstock.) 

February is a great month as it reminds us that true compassion creates change. Throughout the decades of working with individuals and groups, the discussion around change ultimately leads to making SMART goals, creating goals, and a path to change. At times, then the discussion leads right to “I need to be more disciplined or I should do this”.

 

This is where we go wrong, for when we are seeing change as an external caveat we tend to use our inner critic to force the change. We become “compelled” to lose that weight, get up early to work on a project or clean that house. This creates a sense of anxiety and criticism of defeat instead of the fulfillment we were looking forward in choosing that change in the first place.

February is a beautiful month to bring forth what research is finding about authentic change, and that is compassion for ourselves and others actually creates change with ease and fulfillment.  When we explore the word compassion we find that in Greek the word for compassion, metriopatheō means “the absent or removal” of negative emotions in pursuit of fulfillment of giving.  February reminds us that love is compassion of positivity. 

Jodi Sell, an aspiring leadership coach, explains just how compassion for self invites a journey of wellness empowerment. “My wellness journey has provided the foundation, strength, & adventure to continue growing & maturing into a holistic being. I'm always humbled & amazed each week to gain a deeper understanding & love for who I am & who I continue to evolve into. As I reflect on this week I've recognized that I treat myself & recognize a deeper respect for myself as I intentionally chunk time for my well-being, fitness, & intake each day”. Compassion means letting go of that criticism we have turned inward through self-reflection.

Compassion is also about role modeling our comfort with our unique qualities without comparing or judging. As Heidi Proskocil, an ignited leader who believes wellness is necessary in leadership balance invites us to ask, “So...how is our wellness journey helping you fall in love with yourself? What have you done this past week to appreciate your gifts and respect yourself? Don't compare yourself to others- we are each on our own path and have different goals and ideas of what success means. Think positive, kind and loving things about yourself. The more we honor and respect our bodies, the more other women - our sisters, daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and friends - will learn to respect their bodies”.

As you consider the vision of change you have for yourself, remove the inner critic goals to goals of compassion.  Investigate how metriopatheō can become the cornerstone of your leadership and wellness journey.  Join a group that can offer you the opportunity to share, grow and learn about compassion in leadership at all levels.

 

Bayliss, D.A. (02/13/2015). Compassion. Retrieved from http://www.dabhand.org/Word%20Studies/Compassion.htm