Why Compassion Requires Vulnerability
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Rapper Rexx Life Raj shared his deepest pain in his latest album, and discovered it was one big compassion practice for his fans dealing with their own grief.
\\n\\nLink to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/4xzncasd
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Episode summary:
\\n\\nAfter losing both of his parents in the same year, Rapper Rexx Life Raj channeled his grief into his latest album. On tour, he found himself communing with fans who were struggling with grief of their own. For our show, Raj tried a meditation to cultivate more compassion, and discovered that his life was full of compassion practices \\u2013 like connecting with his fans who were suffering. We also hear from researcher Hooria Jazaieri about the relationship between vulnerability and compassion, why compassion is so critical to our relationships, and the many ways we can cultivate more of it.
\\n\\nPractice:
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Find a comfortable place and take a few moments to focus on your breath.
\\nThink of a loved one. Allow the feelings of warmth and love to fill your heart. Wish those individuals well.
\\nThink of a time when your loved one was suffering. Notice how your sensations shift. Sincerely wish that they may be free of suffering.
\\nYou can try this practice with different types of people in your life, including loved ones, friends, and even those you don\\u2019t get along with.
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Learn more about the Compassion Meditation practice at Greater Good In Action:
\\n\\nhttps://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/compassion_meditation
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Today\\u2019s guests:
\\n\\nRexx Life Raj is a rapper and musician from the Bay area.
\\n\\nListen to his latest album, The Blue Hour: https://tinyurl.com/3rpfv9r9
\\n\\nListen to Raj Life Raj\\u2019s Music: https://www.rexxliferaj.com/
\\n\\nFollow Raj on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RexxLifeRaj
\\n\\nFollow Raj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rexxliferaj/
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Hooria Jazaieri is an Assistant Professor at Santa Clara University. Her research focuses on personal reputation and emotions like compassion and awe.
\\n\\nLearn more about Hooria and her work: https://tinyurl.com/2ndpkke9
\\n\\nFollow Hooria on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HooriaJazaieri
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Resources from The Greater Good Science Center:
\\n\\nCan Compassion Change the World: https://tinyurl.com/3ac2meyc
\\n\\nDoes Mindfulness Make You More Compassionate? https://tinyurl.com/4beawh8b
\\n\\nWhen Empathy Hurts, Compassion Can Heal: https://tinyurl.com/yc4pyjcv
\\n\\nCompassionate Mind, Healthy Body: https://tinyurl.com/mruc6m95
\\n\\nDo Your Struggles Expand Your Compassion for Others? https://tinyurl.com/yc4pyjcv
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More Resources on Compassion:
\\n\\nThe Atlantic - What\\u2019s Missing From Empathy: https://tinyurl.com/4b6s2v3y
\\n\\nTED - Compassion and the true meaning of empathy: https://tinyurl.com/2kkhf3p5
\\n\\nWashington Post - Compassion fatigue hits not only professional caregivers. Other people get it, too: https://tinyurl.com/5325ewjt
\\n\\nHarvard - Connect with Empathy, But Lead with Compassion: https://tinyurl.com/5n8amcuh
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What has your experience been like practicing compassion for others? Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
\\n\\nHelp us share The Science of Happiness!
\\n\\nRate us on Spotify and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/4uyr2w35
\\n\\nEpisode image based on photo by Marco Alexander
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