Guest blogger Louis Ako-Egbe, MD is a health systems strengthening specialist with the World Health Organization and an alum of our Compassionate Leadership in Global Health certification program. We are privileged to share his perspective on the importance of combining compassion with technical competence to strengthen healthcare delivery.
We have a front row seat to all the suffering around the globe as our communication capacity grows and the world shrinks. Research shows that as suffering increases our compassionate feeling decreases. Is this the most helpful response? Compassionate leaders must recognize that we are at risk for compassion collapse and that leaning into our emotions is the way through. This will support our ability to respond compassionately, and tap into the regenerative nature of compassion to keep us resourced.
This exercise is designed to help us remember that we are connected to everyone and everything. When we do that, it becomes easier to relate, respect, and trust others. Recognizing our shared human experience with others leads us to deeper places of cooperation, collaboration, and connection. It helps us break through the isolation and loneliness that are rampant in today’s fast-paced society.
How kind is that voice in your head, toward YOU? When you make a mistake, or are struggling in a situation, or something really tough is happening in your life, how do you speak to yourself? Whether you are new to compassion practices or an experienced practitioner, this is a short, simple, effective exercise that will offer you new awareness and a path towards self-kindness.
