I had a profound conversation with Professor Paul Gilbert OBE, and what struck me most was Paul's raw honesty about how rage, not love, made him compassionate - a perspective that challenges everything we typically associate with compassion.

We dove deep into why compassion is often misunderstood as weakness when it actually requires immense courage. Paul's insights on the evolution of compassion in scientific research over the past 20 years were fascinating, especially how it's reshaping our understanding of mental health and wellbeing. For anyone struggling with self-criticism or feeling vulnerable, this episode offers practical wisdom on developing a compassionate mind.

About Paul Gilbert

Professor Paul Gilbert OBE is a ground-breaking clinical psychologist, researcher and author who developed Compassion Focused Therapy. He is the Founder and President of The Compassionate Mind Foundation, and has written/edited over 20 books and published over 200 papers on the subject of compassion. His work has revolutionised our understanding of mental health treatment through the lens of compassion.

Connect with Paul Gilbert:

Website: www.compassionatemind.co.uk

Twitter: @ProfPaulGilbert

The Compassionate Mind Foundation: www.compassionatemind.co.uk

Thank you for listening! Let me know your thoughts on this episode, and don't forget to share it with anyone who might find it helpful.

Sarah Ann

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Highlights: 

Introduction and Initial Thoughts on Compassion (00:00 )

Evolution of Compassion Research (03:24 )

The Role of Vulnerability in Compassion (09:24 )

Shadow Emotions and Self-Awareness (12:06 )

Evolution and Consciousness (16:07 )

Mindfulness and Compassion (20:18 )

Building a Compassionate Self (26:17 )

Exploring The Mind-Body Connection and Using Compassionate Imagery (32:45 )

Understanding Compassion Focused Therapy (42:17 )

The Role of Compassion in Happiness (55:30 )

Final Thoughts on Compassion and Wellness (01:00:04 )

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