The Science of Compassion

It’s time for a kindness revolution. In The Kindness Cure, psychologist Tara Cousineau draws on cutting-edge research in psychology and neuroscience to show how simple practices of kindness—for ourselves, for others, and for our world—can dissolve our feelings of fear and indifference, and open us up to a life of profound happiness.

In this installment of The Science of Compassion series, health psychologist Kelly McGonigal encourages you to think about ways in which genuinely caring for others can be a source of both meaning and courage, and can help support you through difficult experiences in your own life.

Have you ever noticed that trying to calm down before a high-stakes event often just produces more agitation? That trying to change troublesome habits can seem difficult or impossible? Or that real fulfillment and well-being can be elusive, despite living a successful life?