Does it genuinely make you happy when your partner is enjoying themselves on a trip with their other lover? 

Or perhaps you’ve felt a sense of elation when a friend or colleague receives a well-deserved promotion or prestigious award? 

If you’ve ever been uplifted by someone else’s positive experience, even when it doesn’t directly involve you, then you’ve encountered "compersion".

In today’s episode, Usha Rose delves into the intriguing concept of compersion with guest Dr. Marie Thouin, the author of What is Compersion? Understanding Positive Empathy in Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships, the first comprehensive scholarly work on this topic.

While compersion is often associated with non-monogamous relationships, it’s clear that anyone can benefit from understanding and embracing this experience.

You might be wondering:

• Is compersion an innate trait, or can it be cultivated?
• Can you feel jealousy and compersion simultaneously?
• Is compersion a requirement in non-monogamous relationships?

We address these questions and explore:

• The six factors that enhance compersion
• How compersion manifests differently across contexts and situations, and strategies for navigating these variations
• Common barriers to experiencing compersion and techniques for overcoming them
• How compersion can serve as a guiding principle in relationships, fostering growth, connection, and intimacy

You can learn more about Dr Marie Thouin on her website: 

https://mariethouin.com/

Or follow her on IG: 

@drmariethouin

To learn more about ISTA visit our website: 

https://ista.life/

Or follow us on social media: 

@ista.community