The greatest gift I've received from compassion practice is just that, a lifetime of practice is the gift to prepare my best for every day. It is a reassurance and responsibility to think of compassion this way, and also to acknowledge that it is relative to our awareness. The 8-week compassion course teaches us the awareness, through research and meditation. It offers these various tools to examine and relate to the subject, for those curious about compassionate responses to life's most difficult or subtle challenges.

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I was formally introduced to compassion in 2018, while living in Washington, D.C. The shutdown had spun many people into an undesired uncertainty. And living in the capitol I was surrounded by the news of it and the suffering of others - many with more bills, kids, or responsibilities than I had at the time. Some found themselves plunged into desperation, not knowing when they would work or receive paychecks, and that was palpable. An outlet came to me through CCT to understand how to deal with the strain and feeling of helplessness.

From that initial course, I felt more connected to what others were going through. I found that what I practice "on the mat" gives me more likelihood to practice the way I want to show up in a customer service line, or in a disagreement with a friend or family member. The consideration for strangers - and the little we can ever know about being in another's shoes - was a big part of this practice.

It's the likelihood of results that keeps intriguing me. It is this positive feedback loop that inspires me to teach which ultimately is just to share.

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Like me, if you desire to tap into, remember, or continue practicing the best version of yourself, compassion is for you.