“Why attend a course about compassion?“

“Surely compassion is so intrinsic to being human, that like love, we have no need to learn it?”

On the face of it, I expect most of us would agree with this view. But there again, the thought ‘simple .. and yet not easy’ then comes to mind.

Why .. if it is so natural and simple ..

- is ‘compassion’ so often paired with the word ‘rare’? – and why do we find it hardly used in everyday speech – except when we’re complaining about what’s missing?

- and if it is something we value, do so many of us rarely think about or experience compassion during each day?

- does compassion seem so transitory?

Why .. when we know about the healing power of compassion … is it true that ..

-  every year worldwide, an estimated 900 000 people die by committing suicide – ranking among the 3 leading causes of death among those aged 15-44 years? (Information from the World Health Organisation)

- around 20% of the world’s children and adolescents are estimated to have mental disorders or problems? (and that in a 2007 UNICEF report, the UK came bottom of the league table for child wellbeing .. from 21 industrialised countries – and in other reports since, we don’t fare much better).

- depression is ranked as the leading cause of disability worldwide and affects around 120 million people worldwide?

.. and why is it  ..

that in a world of over 6.5 billion, so many of us feel lonely and isolated?

We are continually reminded however that compassion can make the difference. With The Compassion Course we do not claim to ‘teach compassion’, or to ‘change the world’!

However, we have got some great attitudes and strategies to suggest and share for removing the blocks to compassion, and for changing our thinking to help improve our world.

If this sounds worthwhile to you, we’re pleased you’re here! Please read on!