ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the circle of compassion which is central in the work of Paul Gilbert and offers a helpful model of the compassionate mind or compassion mode. The two circles represent the two psychologies of compassion. The first type of psychology is based on the sensitivity to suffering of oneself and others, requiring a number of key attributes for engagement, shown in the inner circle. The second type of psychology is based on the commitment to do something about it and alleviate this suffering. As regards developing skills, the chapter focuses on the aspects of our functioning in the outer circle such as compassionate attention, compassionate imagery, compassionate sensation, compassionate thinking and reasoning, compassionate feeling. The chapter gives an overview of the attributes and skills of compassion, using the model the circle of compassion. It explores how people can learn to embody kindness and compassion and how basic mindfulness exercises can be deepened with these qualities.
