COMPASS Videos – Compassion's Compass

Module 1

Compassion’s COMPASS Module 1: Introduction

This video is an introduction to Compassion’s COMPASS: Strategies for Developing Kindness and Insight, a book that offers a systematic approach to developing compassionate insight that has been adapted from Tibetan mind training strategies, secularized for modern audiences, and supplemented with relevant research, anecdotes, and exercises in accessible language. “COMPASS” is an acronym for “Compassion and Analytical Selective-Focus Skills”. Selective-focus skills suggest contemplations that can help to generate and enhance compassionate insight. These exercises follow an “emotional logic” in which one step produces a basis for cultivating the next.

Module 1 interview

Dr. Milagros Rivera

In this video, Dr. Milagros “Millie” Rivera, Director of Faculty Diversity, Inclusion, and Well-Being for George Mason University, describes her experiences of how different cultures express empathy and compassion. She talks about ways that empathy and compassion bridge divides, bringing out the best in humanity. Dr. Rivera also gives practical advice about ways to self-calm and regain a connection with our empathy and compassion.

Module 2

Compassion’s COMPASS Module 2: The Foundation Practice of Mindfulness

Mindfulness, acceptance, self-compassion, and self-care set a foundation on which the other COMPASS skills can build. A regular practice of mindfulness can help in preventing and overcoming burnout, anxiety, depression, and other internal obstacles to building compassionate insight. Acceptance, self-compassion, and self-care create a safe basis for developing resilience and well-being.

Module 2 interview

Peggy DiVincenzo on Mindfulness Practice

Peggy DiVincenzo has practiced vipassana meditation since 1980 and is a certified mindfulness instructor. She began teaching mindfulness in the context of individual and group psychotherapy beginning in 2003. In this interview, she talks about the impact that regular practice has had on her life and she leads us in a brief session of mindfulness practice.

Module 3

Compassion’s COMPASS Module 3: Equanimity

Equanimity sets the ground for developing a universal form of kindness and compassion by reducing and eliminating bias. Biased compassion can be harmful to those it excludes and marginalizes. Remembering our similarity to everyone in our basic wish to be happy and free from suffering helps connect us to humanity and all forms of life.

Module 3 interview

Dr. Melissa Villodas on Connectedness and Mental Health

In this interview, Dr. Villodas shares her research findings on the relationship between connectedness and mental health, particularly as it impacts black youth and young adults who have had interactions with the Juvenile Justice System. The devastating effects of systemic racism are explored along with ways social workers, mental health practitioners, and others should consider intervening to help those affected.

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Module 4

Compassion’s COMPASS Module 4: Gratitude

Gratitude can lift us up from emotional depletion and revitalize us when fatigued and worn down. For helping professionals, it can provide a protective buffer against compassion fatigue. Research on the benefits of gratitude and an easy way to practice it are shared in this video.

Module 4 interview

Wes Smith, LCSW, on Gratitude and Well-Being

Gratitude can uplift us when we’re feeling depleted, worn down, and fatigued, It’s as easy as counting your blessings. In this video, Wes Smith, who has worked as a School Social Worker for over 25 years, shares his strategies for personal renewal in the face of life’s constant challenges.

Module 5

Compassion's COMPASS Module 5: Forgiveness

Resentment and anger block kindness and compassion. To move through our anger, it’s important to know strategies for corrective self-talk and forgiveness. Forgiveness skills are particularly useful when a grudge runs deep and is causing us internal distress. Forgiveness and trust are two different things: forgiveness is for our own peace of mind; trust must be earned.

Module 5 interview

Scarlett Lewis on Forgiveness

Each moment offers us a choice: we can follow our anger, hurt, and fear or we can choose courage, love, forgiveness, and compassion. In this amazing interview, Scarlett Lewis, author, and founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, shares her story of devastating loss, recovery, and turning tragedy into resilience, love, and compassionate action. Scarlett and Jesse’s Choose Love Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program have reached over 3,000,000 children in over 120 countries around the world.

Module 6

Compassion's COMPASS Module 6: Kindness

Kindness is the wish that others and ourselves encounter happiness and the causes of happiness. It is an uplifting feeling that can lift us out of depression and anger while opening our hearts. In this video, research on the benefits of kindness is explored and an easy exercise for cultivating it is offered.