If you want to be happy, practice compassion. –The Dalai Lama

If you’ve ever seen The Devil Wears Prada, you’re going to understand exactly what I’m talking about in this description. And if you haven’t, try to imagine…

In life, there are THOSE people. You know the ones.

You smile; they frown. They’re right; you’re wrong. You try; they complain.

No matter what you say or do, they’re as cold as ice on a winter day. You long, yearn, and wish that they would show you just one thing.

COMPASSION.

In life there is also another breed of people.

THESE people make us feel good. They have a way of making us feel accepted, unjudged, and worthy of love all at once.

They radiate a kind of warmth that can light up a rainy day. In short, they have the one thing that we all need to receive…

COMPASSION.

You see, compassion is an amazing thing. It truly goes full circle. When we make people feel good, we feel good… and when we feel good, they feel good.

There’s another aspect of compassion that’s actually quite interesting. People who practice compassion tend to be happier and healthier.

It’s true!

Numerous studies have shown that practicing compassion can lower stress and anxiety levels, reduce depression, and even reduce the risk of many diseases.

In addition, adopting a positive, caring attitude makes us more resilient, optimistic, supportive, and socially adaptive. It helps us to be well-rounded.

This extends to more than just how we treat others. It’s also true of how we treat ourselves.

Compassion for the self is one of the healthiest practices we can adopt. But we often forget that we need to treat ourselves the same way we would want to be treated by someone else.

If someone pelted us with negatives, we would be angry and find this act to be unacceptable.  So why would you treat yourself this way?

Imagine how much easier life would be if you treated yourself with the utmost respect-if you embraced your imperfections with a loving attitude of warmth.

This week, I want to challenge you to something big. I want you to make a conscious effort to be more compassionate with yourself and others.

I believe that The Dalai Lama is absolutely right. “If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

In truth, you deserve happiness, don’t you?

YES…you do.

As always, I would love to hear your comments.

To your mindfulness,

Dr. Marchand