Mirella De Civita

Knowing how to tap into your compassion to overcome psychological distress is not only theoretical, but also practical and possible. As is true for the threat-detection system in our brain, so it is true that we have another defensive system, which has a soothing effect on us. It is called the affiliation or Soothing system. Our brain has evolved to make us feel calmer and more settled when we are in the presence of people who care about us by providing a sense of psychological safety and demonstrating genuine interest in our wellbeing. Compassion is a skill that can be learned, and once it is integrated into our daily practice, it creates the necessary inoculation against everyday challenges by regulating our threat-detection system. With consistent practice, we can also nurture the ability in others to comfort themselves and move forward with their goals.