Compassion is the feeling that arises when you see someone suffering and you have the urge to help. It goes beyond just noticing someone’s pain—it includes the desire to relieve that pain. In everyday life, compassion shows up when we pause to listen, offer a kind word, give support, or simply show that we care.

At its core, compassion is about connection. It’s what allows us to respond to others with warmth rather than judgment. When we act with compassion, we recognize our shared humanity: that we all suffer, we all struggle, and we all want to be well.

While emotions like empathy allow us to feel or understand what others are going through, compassion adds an important extra step—it moves us toward kindness and helpful action. For example, if you see someone crying, empathy lets you understand their sadness. Compassion leads you to ask, “Are you okay?” or offer a comforting presence.

The roots of compassion

Compassion is a natural human response, and it’s present in every culture and tradition. Many spiritual and religious teachings highlight the importance of caring for others—whether it’s called kindness, charity, mercy, or love.

From a psychological perspective, compassion is often linked to emotional intelligence. It involves noticing emotional pain, being emotionally open enough to care, and having the motivation to do something about it. Compassion is also influenced by our life experiences. People who have suffered often develop deeper compassion for others, because they understand what pain feels like.

Compassion vs. empathy

While the two are closely related, compassion is not the same as empathy.

Empathy is the ability to feel or understand another person’s emotions.

Compassion includes empathy, but also involves the desire to help.

Someone with high empathy might feel another person’s sadness deeply, but without taking action. Compassion turns that feeling into care, support, and sometimes even sacrifice. Importantly, compassion can be practiced without being emotionally overwhelmed. It doesn’t require you to carry someone else’s pain—it simply invites you to respond with warmth and presence.

Everyday examples of compassion

Compassion doesn’t have to be grand or dramatic. In fact, it often appears in quiet, simple moments:

• Listening patiently to a friend who’s having a hard day
• Giving a stranger a smile when they look down
• Helping a coworker who’s struggling, without waiting to be asked
• Speaking gently to yourself when you make a mistake
• Donating to a cause or volunteering your time

Compassion can also be shown to animals, the environment, or even people you don’t personally like. It’s not about who “deserves” your care—it’s about choosing to be kind when you see pain.

Compassion toward yourself

One of the most overlooked forms of compassion is self-compassion. This means treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. Many people are harsh with themselves in moments of failure, but research shows that self-compassion actually leads to better emotional resilience, motivation, and well-being.

Read more about self-compassion here

Being compassionate to yourself doesn’t mean avoiding responsibility. It means you can hold yourself accountable without beating yourself up.

Why compassion matters

Compassion is essential for healthy relationships, strong communities, and emotional well-being. Studies show that compassionate people tend to feel more connected, less anxious, and more fulfilled. Compassion also benefits society—it creates safer, more supportive environments and helps people feel seen and valued. In times of crisis or division, compassion is often what brings people together. It reminds us that we are not alone, that our pain matters, and that healing is possible when we show up for each other with care.

Compassion is a quiet strength. It doesn’t always change the world in big, obvious ways—but it makes a world of difference to the people who receive it. Whether you’re comforting a friend, helping a stranger, or offering kindness to yourself, each act of compassion adds to the healing and humanity of the world around you.

In a fast-paced world that often feels disconnected, compassion is one of the most powerful ways we can choose to live with heart.