Why Compassion is Irrational

February 9, 2025

You and I have been conditioned to ‘think’ our feelings rather than actually feel them. But here’s the thing: feelings aren’t rational. They’re not meant to be.

Compassion doesn’t happen in your head—it emanates from deep within your heart.

Sharon Salzberg, one of my favorite meditation teachers, beautifully describes compassion as both a powerful quality we can cultivate and a way of being in the world. She reminds us that compassion isn’t just about how we treat others—it’s also about how we treat ourselves.

Research shows that meditation can increase self-compassion and emotional resilience. In fact, a study from the National Institutes of Health found that participants who practiced self-compassion meditation experienced a 43% reduction in negative emotions and a significant boost in overall well-being. WOW!

Imagine what might shift in your life—and your relationships—when you approach yourself with greater compassion.

This week, I’m sharing a guided meditation on self-compassion to help you connect with this transformative quality. 

[Download the Self-Compassion Meditation Here]

This guided practice will help you:

• Release self-judgment and embrace kindness.
• Stay grounded during challenging moments.
• Cultivate deeper, more authentic relationships by starting with yourself.

Let this be a gentle reminder to pause and reconnect with your heart. Because when you practice compassion for yourself, you create space for even greater compassion in your relationships.

in trust and gratitude,

Annmarie Chereso
Author, Speaker, Coach, & Meditation Teacher

P.S. Where in your life could you use more self-compassion? Comment below and let me know—I’d love to hear from you.