{"id":3473,"date":"2024-10-30T15:04:10","date_gmt":"2024-10-30T15:04:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/?p=3473"},"modified":"2025-05-12T18:38:57","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T16:38:57","slug":"curious-compassion-transforms-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/2024\/10\/30\/curious-compassion-transforms-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Curious compassion transforms us!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-939ae65819a1d22b583d88b63ded0e68\">Have you ever heard the phrase&nbsp;<em>curious compassion<\/em>? I recently came across this intriguing term while listening to an Ed Mylett podcast featuring Dr. Paul Conti \u2014 and it stopped me mid-workout. It\u2019s a simple combination of words, yet it opens the door to something powerful: a mindset that blends self-compassion, empathy, and curiosity. In today\u2019s fast-paced, often judgmental world, developing compassion for ourselves and others can be a challenge. But adding curiosity to the mix changes everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-187b5c28870d144d8999eb5c4bdb262c\">In this article, we\u2019ll explore what&nbsp;<em>curious compassion<\/em>&nbsp;really means \u2014 starting with the importance of self-compassion, how it lays the foundation for kindness toward others, and how curiosity deepens our ability to connect. Whether you\u2019re on a journey of personal growth, seeking to improve your relationships, or just trying to understand yourself better, embracing curious compassion might be exactly what you need.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3473_12ba34-b0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3473_12ba34-b0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3473_12ba34-b0\"]{font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-lg, 2rem);font-style:normal;text-transform:capitalize;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3473_12ba34-b0 mark, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3473_12ba34-b0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3473_12ba34-b0\"] mark{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h6 class=\"kt-adv-heading3473_12ba34-b0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3473_12ba34-b0\">Compassion toward ourselves<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a675a64e667cc4285f6bc72bed73a582\">Compassion toward ourselves is a big thing, which I never used to think about until just some years ago. So, apparently, it doesn\u2019t always come natural to everyone, at least with this kind of an emphasis. But it&#8217;s important. When we stop the brutal self-criticism and negative self-talk, that many of us are (I also used to be) experts at, it becomes easier to forgive and <em>accept ourselves<\/em> for our shortcomings, mistakes and failures. Self-compassion fosters understanding, kindness, and patience within ourselves. As a consequence, it can improve our mental and emotional well-being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/person-in-black-jacket-and-gray-denim-jeans-4100422-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Person in Black Jacket and Gray Denim Jeans\" class=\"wp-image-1462\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3473_104f44-f7, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3473_104f44-f7[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3473_104f44-f7\"]{font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-lg, 2rem);font-style:normal;text-transform:capitalize;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3473_104f44-f7 mark, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3473_104f44-f7[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3473_104f44-f7\"] mark{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h6 class=\"kt-adv-heading3473_104f44-f7 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3473_104f44-f7\">Compassion toward others<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-eb0ff0c6adbcef7e644e19129929cdb0\">This is a good foundation for compassion toward others, too. When we feel good (or at least \u201cok\u201d) about ourselves, it\u2019s much easier to have grace on others. Did you notice that when you\u2019re having a bad day, it\u2019s quite natural to be grumpy and harsh with others, too?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-671bf73442ac5062f13eccdfcdc98d89\">Self-acceptance reduces harsh self-judgment, making us less judgmental toward others and more inclined to respond with warmth and support. Self-compassion fosters a kind of resilience and an emotional strength for ourselves, with which we can cope better in many of life\u2019s challenges and setbacks, with others, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-theme-palette-5-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d82270d6dc1cab32260abd7bc83dd2ee is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">&#8220;Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others.&#8221;<br>\u2014 <em>Christopher Germer<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7229d5be78810a1ba50da17d76d5ffca\">Having compassion for self and others are related.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/zac-durant-76HhAKI5JXI-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"curious compassion\" class=\"wp-image-3475\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3473_8dbfec-79, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3473_8dbfec-79[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3473_8dbfec-79\"]{font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-lg, 2rem);font-style:normal;text-transform:capitalize;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3473_8dbfec-79 mark, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3473_8dbfec-79[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3473_8dbfec-79\"] mark{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h6 class=\"kt-adv-heading3473_8dbfec-79 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3473_8dbfec-79\">And curiosity?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bb3b6906584efa6bb1a4b964e16f25a9\">So, what about curiosity: how does that add to the mix? Curiosity enhances compassion by encouraging us to explore and understand other people\u2019s experiences and emotions without judgment. It\u2019s about having an attitude that doesn\u2019t know everything. It\u2019s being on \u201cthe lookout\u201d for new things, a new awareness of what\u2019s going around us, and what the people around us might be thinking or feeling. It\u2019s having our \u201cantennas up\u201d to potentially pick up new signals, to see things from new perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-acc86ad45e71e66aecab48a7602729bb\">When we&#8217;re curious, we ask questions and listen actively, showing genuine interest in someone\u2019s perspective. Such an open-minded approach helps us see beyond assumptions, building empathy and connection. In essence, curiosity drives us to seek deeper understanding, which is at the heart of compassionate responses.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3473_6f5846-e4, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3473_6f5846-e4[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3473_6f5846-e4\"]{font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-lg, 2rem);font-style:normal;text-transform:capitalize;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3473_6f5846-e4 mark, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3473_6f5846-e4[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3473_6f5846-e4\"] mark{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h6 class=\"kt-adv-heading3473_6f5846-e4 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3473_6f5846-e4\">Putting it together<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ab8b9ee98de4778681b144f00a7e5b65\">&#8220;Curious compassion&#8221;, then, is a blend of genuine empathy and open-minded exploration to what others are thinking and what they want to communicate. When we engage with curious compassion, we\u2019re not just acknowledging someone\u2019s feelings but are also eager to learn about their perspective and journey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-theme-palette-5-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-9a2b263e631d45c973199def5e1b40eb is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Curious compassion creates an atmosphere where it&#8217;s easy for people to be authentic, as they feel truly seen and valued. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/vitolda-klein-vfIwW6KEQNU-unsplash-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"compassion for others\" class=\"wp-image-3476\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94e5afd8fa79a83502338f910c99d5a0\">So, what about this idea of developing a curious compassion toward yourself, first of all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0541aa47113a74bd870f2b6d54fa10ca\">And then, what could curious compassion look like, as it will naturally start flowing more toward those around you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e25150ecad556806c90ba794db4f5231\">I\u2019d love to hear your thoughts and comments on this one \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-theme-palette-5-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-2b8ae4f4425758aa2d1f1a0a1916c0ce\"><em>-Walter<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-3473_8cb16a-5d .kt-block-spacer{height:60px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-3473_8cb16a-5d .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-3473_8cb16a-5d\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>*If you liked this post, feel free to share it with someone who might benefit from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-8-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bbeca0dca45cbca217736e63c1ab6012\"><em>Note: I have recently started as a certified coach (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.suomentyonohjaajat.fi\" title=\"Finnish work-life coaching association, STOry\">Finnish work-life coaching association, STOry<\/a>), doing <a href=\"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/\" title=\"Professional and Personal Coaching\">Professional and Personal Coaching<\/a>. Professionally, I help individuals and work-teams to think about their work-life, team-work, and everything related to work. On the personal side, people seek me out during transition phases in their lives, with questions related to their work-life balance, and also (and not least) to help harness more of their potential in life! Feel free to reach out and I would love to tell you more about different types of coaching that might benefit you or your team.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Photos: Pexels and Unsplash<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you ever heard the phrase&nbsp;curious compassion? I recently came&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3833,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3473","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-perspectives"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3473","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3473"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3473\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3832,"href":"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3473\/revisions\/3832"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3833"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3473"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3473"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/raisingpotential.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3473"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}