We’re all so connected to other people. Friends and family bring so much joy, but when everyone gets together over the busy holidays, things can sometimes get a bit tense. 

That’s where compassion really helps. It’s essentially empathy, a bit of understanding, and a genuine wish to make life easier for each other. When we lean into that, we can dodge, or at least soften, a lot of the usual flare-ups. 

The bonus is, being kind does us good too. It tightens our bonds, helps us read each other better, gives us a sense of purpose, and cuts through that lonely feeling. It even boosts our own wellbeing. 

If you want a simple way to build compassion, try this meditation. A few quiet minutes to recentre, breathe, and open your heart can make it easier to drop the walls and really see the human in front of you, even when the calendar’s packed and patience is thin.