Why Compassion Requires Vulnerability

Rapper Rexx Life Raj shared his deepest pain in his latest album, and discovered it was one big compassion practice for his fans dealing with their own grief.

Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/4xzncasd

Episode summary:

After losing both of his parents in the same year, Rapper Rexx Life Raj channeled his grief into his latest album. On tour, he found himself communing with fans who were struggling with grief of their own. For our show, Raj tried a meditation to cultivate more compassion, and discovered that his life was full of compassion practices – like connecting with his fans who were suffering. We also hear from researcher Hooria Jazaieri about the relationship between vulnerability and compassion, why compassion is so critical to our relationships, and the many ways we can cultivate more of it.

Practice:

Find a comfortable place and take a few moments to focus on your breath.

Think of a loved one. Allow the feelings of warmth and love to fill your heart. Wish those individuals well.

Think of a time when your loved one was suffering. Notice how your sensations shift. Sincerely wish that they may be free of suffering.

You can try this practice with different types of people in your life, including loved ones, friends, and even those you don’t get along with.

Learn more about the Compassion Meditation practice at Greater Good In Action:

https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/compassion_meditation

Today’s guests:

Rexx Life Raj is a rapper and musician from the Bay area.

Listen to his latest album, The Blue Hour: https://tinyurl.com/3rpfv9r9

Listen to Raj Life Raj’s Music: https://www.rexxliferaj.com/

Follow Raj on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RexxLifeRaj

Follow Raj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rexxliferaj/

Hooria Jazaieri is an Assistant Professor at Santa Clara University. Her research focuses on personal reputation and emotions like compassion and awe.

Learn more about Hooria and her work: https://tinyurl.com/2ndpkke9

Follow Hooria on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HooriaJazaieri

Resources from The Greater Good Science Center:

Can Compassion Change the World: https://tinyurl.com/3ac2meyc

Does Mindfulness Make You More Compassionate? https://tinyurl.com/4beawh8b

When Empathy Hurts, Compassion Can Heal: https://tinyurl.com/yc4pyjcv

Compassionate Mind, Healthy Body: https://tinyurl.com/mruc6m95

Do Your Struggles Expand Your Compassion for Others? https://tinyurl.com/yc4pyjcv

More Resources on Compassion:

The Atlantic - What’s Missing From Empathy: https://tinyurl.com/4b6s2v3y

TED - Compassion and the true meaning of empathy: https://tinyurl.com/2kkhf3p5

Washington Post - Compassion fatigue hits not only professional caregivers. Other people get it, too: https://tinyurl.com/5325ewjt

Harvard - Connect with Empathy, But Lead with Compassion: https://tinyurl.com/5n8amcuh

What has your experience been like practicing compassion for others? Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.

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Episode image based on photo by Marco Alexander