Brené Brown: The secret to having compassion

The popular researcher explains what compassionate people have in common — and why it wasn't what she expected.

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[Mary-ylbx]

I am not sure exactly what she means by "boundaries, " but if she means a dedication to self-care (finding beautiful, joyful, or restful ways to nourish yourself every day) then I would agree! If she means "boundaries" as in rudely stating that someone is asking for too much, then I would strongly disagree. In my experience, compassion comes from vulnerability, shared humanity, and plenty of energy (that's where the self-care comes in!). I don't want to become like a soverign nation with a boundary that protects me. I want to be the open and flowing humanity that I see all around me- an ocean of giving and receiving! This requires no boundaries! No rude statements! Simply a committment to nourishing oneself when it is needed and then pouring from that joyful, full cup. Keep on rocking, all you amazing youtubers!

[shankar_vshankar]

I'm so glad so many people here are calling this out.

Brene seems to be modifying her perception to fit her belief system - all the great examples of compassion demonstrate that there is no other.
I understand why people who are hurting are helped by emforcing boundaries. But once there is no other there is no more hurting - only compassion.
If you are attached to boundaries you are limited to empathy.

[mjfufem]

Half the people in these comments are the ones who'd benefit from her books the most. Good lord.

[uschischueller]

Compassion is as vast as the sky and as deep as the sea. There are no boundaries.

[NESherv]

I wish she would have given an example. It's an interesting idea, but I don't fully understand it from the way she explained it.

[annawilliams]

Its important to point out that bene brown did a study and boundaries was linked to highly compassionate people. The clip is short. I've no doubt that the study will go into detail about what that is. Its a scientific study as opposed to personal experience. She isn't describing what compassion is but wanted to know about highly compassionate people.

[antonhornung]

We have lost our boundaries in this world today...

[vincegredo]

Dude what does that even mean. What kind of boundaries?

[yesyesyay]

I think Brene Brown is quite unread on levels of compassion. Enforcement is the word I have never heard of when talking about compassion. Troubling to be hearing from a reknowned expert.

[daniel]

It is possible to have boundaries AND be compassionate. 

Boundaries do not have to be walls. They can be more like doors and windows that can open and close.

Perhaps the difference is that they are clear, fair and adjustable boundaries depending on the mutual circumstances compared with people with less compassion. They care about themselves and others, and live that.

[AyakoTachi]

this interviewer just doesn't have chemistry with her... so awkward to watch

[redcapitalist]

the secret is to be a loser in life. that way you can have empathy and wallow around in your echo chamber virtue signaling all day and wasting your life away

[Kay-ited]

Really!? - listening to her reminds of the story of the 'emperor's new clothes' - ie groundless acclaim.