Description
Book SynopsisThe Art and Science of Compassion, A Primer offers a succinct, all-in-one introduction to the full gamut of compassion, from the evolutional, biological, behavioural, and psychological, to the social, philosophical, and spiritual. Drawing on her diverse background as a clinician, scientist, educator, and chaplain, Dr. Wong presents a wealth of scientific evidence supporting that compassion is both innate and trainable. By interleaving personal experiences and reflections, she shares her insights on what it takes to cultivate compassion to support the art of medicine and caregiving. The training described in this book draws on both contemplative and scientific disciplines to help clinicians develop cognitive, attentional, affective, and somatic skills that are critical for the cultivation of compassion. With striking illustrations for key concepts and concise summaries for each chapter, this book provides a solid conceptual framework and practical approaches to cultivate compassion. Adv
Trade ReviewVery highly recommended reading * Midwest Book Review *
Table of ContentsForeword by Roshi Joan Halifax Foreword by Gregory L. Fricchione 1. What are Empathy and Compassion? A Western Perspective 2. Is Compassion Innate? A Physiological Perspective 3. Is Compassion Innate? A Psychological Perspective 4. Is Compassion Innate? Spiritual and Eastern Perspectives 5. East Meets West: Is Compassion Trainable? A Neuroscientific Perspective 6. What are the Obstacles to Compassion? 7. What Does it Take to Cultivate Compassion? 8. A Wholistic Approach to Compassionate and Flourishing Life
