As an ex-pharmaceutical scientist, I enjoy reframing the term ‘side-effects’. We typically think of side-effects in the negative, as in the side-effects of drugs. But many of our positive behaviors also have side-effects.
Below are 5 side-effects of compassion.
1) Compassion Wires the Brain
In some ways we can think of the brain like a muscle in that as we exercise certain regions they grow, just as muscles do when we exercise them.
Compassion causes growth on the left side of the brain’s prefrontal cortex region, which is the bit above the eyes.
The effect of this is that we find it easier to be compassionate and kind. Compassion begets compassion through creating actual changes in the brain.
by David R. Hamilton PhD
