Empathy & Compassion

Question 1

What is Loving Kindness Meditation (LKM)?

Answer 1

Uses FA and OA as foundation before cultivating loving kindness to oneself and others using repeated phrases
- Aim is to become aware of interconnected nature and develop acceptance/compassion

Question 2

Metta meditation

Answer 2

Aim is to accept ourselves as we actually are
- Makes it easier to accept our suffering and happiness
- Cultivates love, understanding, and compassion

Question 3

What are the associated outcomes of Focused Attention (FA) and Open Awareness (OA)?

Answer 3

FA: Stabilizing attention -> Calm and wellness

OA: Self regulation + self-awareness

Question 4

Differences between compassion and empathetic distress

Answer 4

Compassion:
- Other-related emotion
- Positive feelings
- Good health
- Approach and pro social motivation

Empathetic distress:
- Self-related emotion
- Negative feelings
- Poor health, burnout
- Withdrawal and non-social behaviour