Why Compassion Matters

Life can be tough. Most of us at some time face periods when we feel overwhelmed by work or a relationship, or experience losing someone close. And as if those experiences aren’t difficult enough, our human capacity to think, reflect and consider can sometimes fuel our hurt. We can become stuck in loops of worry, rumination or self-criticism, adding another layer of suffering on top. This evening we’ll explore self-compassion techniques designed to help us manage those times better.
Dr Chris Irons is a leading researcher and practitioner of Compassion Focused Therapy. Tonight he’ll share ideas about how our mind can be orientated to both feelings of threat (such as, self-criticism, status anxiety or violence) and compassion (empathy, kindness and self-love). He’ll discuss with us research which highlights how learning to develop a more self-compassionate mind may have a variety of positive physical and mental health benefits, along with improved happiness and well-being. He will also teach us some simple strategies that we can take away to help us to begin to put compassion into practise in everyday life.
About Special Events
Intimate, thought-provoking talks with leading experts from the disciplines of literature, art, philosophy, psychology, history, economics and political theory.  Speakers for this strand have been invited by The School of Life to present their own material. Session format and timing may vary depending on the subject.