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Cultivate Compassion: Self-Kindness Counts

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Compassion Counts!




What are the secrets to cultivating a compassionate way of being that can make life easier and more enjoyable for ourselves and others?




The Compassion Counts survey set out to explore the best life hacks from caregivers across Canada, Central America, China, the United Kingdom and United States. All around the world, people find ways to make sense of their lives, workplaces and communities. Many of us ask ourselves, "How do I stay strong during times of such unprecedented change and uncertainty?"




We asked 100 caring professionals what they are grateful for and appreciate most in life. How do we recognize when we are running on empty? What lifts us up during tough times? How best to evade overwhelm? Essentially, what strategies can we share, as caring global citizens, to continue to be our best selves during these uncertain times?




In this beautiful, inspiring and evocative book, we are invited to pause and open ourselves to inquiry: What sustains us? How do we remain centred and compassionate during challenging times? This book provides insights to lighten our journey by making small changes, which are possible even when we are just one small part of this complex play.




This collection invites us to recognize the strengths and resources that we already possess, and provides inspiration to integrate a host of new wellness strategies. Whether you decide to read this book from start to finish or simply decide to open a page at random for your daily wellness inspiration, you will be grateful that you did.

216 pages, Paperback

Published November 20, 2020

3 people are currently reading
989 people want to read

About the author

Maria James-Shier

1 book5 followers

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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
1 review
January 23, 2021
I just started reading, Cultivate Compassion: Self-Kindness Counts by Maria James-Shier.
I have been absorbing this book in a couple of different ways…reading a chapter at a time and I have opened it randomly to see if there is a message I’m meant to ponder. The book has a ‘good feel’, to the touch and through the authors words and if I was asked to describe the feeling, I would say reading it has felt like ‘a warm hug’. The layout offers an uncomplicated read with concise chapters followed by a page of suggested reads providing easy to find references to delve further into a subject of interest. I believe this book would serve as a wonderful asset for caregivers in various roles and settings and for readers interested in personal development. I look forward to continuing to savour and learn from my read. When I’m done Cultivate Compassion, it will be added to my bookshelf to be used for future inspiration and as a thoughtful guide. Kudos to the author…well done!
Profile Image for Samantha Theis.
6 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! It explores compassion in a completely thorough and practical way. Now more than ever we need it’s teachings. Grateful for the useful strategies I am already starting to use.
1 review
February 20, 2021
I received the book"Cultivate Compassion " as a New Year present. This was the right book for what we are all going through at the moment.Kindness,Joy, and gratitude,are just three of the subjects mentioned in the book,with many other factors of human emotions talked about.
I think this book would be a great asset to our church library. I would certainly recommend it.
VEC.
1 review1 follower
April 9, 2021
Cultivate Compassion is such a shining light in such a dark and uncertain time in the world. Maria’s perspective and life experiences are thoughtfully laid out in this uplifting read.

The photographs and illustrations are colourful, raw and really capture what it is to live a meaningful life! Makes you really reflect on your own experiences and the way you approach every situations (past, present and future)

Such a great read and would highly recommend!!
1 review
January 30, 2021
2020 has been a very challenging year, so it is refreshing to read a positive, inspiring book to help us all to become more compassionate towards others and ourselves. The world needs more kindness and understanding of each others needs, whether it be your neighbor, friend, family or a total stranger. We can all learn from this book and become better people. Well written and beautifully illustrated, it is a really good read.
1 review
January 29, 2021
Author Maria James-Shier has had a 30- year career in the caring professions, beginning as an emergency room nurse and progressing through a sequence of increasingly responsible positions with a strong focus on the human experience of the patient.
This study represents her very perceptive observations, together with input from her colleagues, on ways for professional caregivers to protect themselves from ‘profound emotional and physical exhaustion’ while continuing to function at peak performance in support of their patients.
The publication of Cultivate Compassion; self kindness counts, at the time of the Covid 19 pandemic is largely coincidental, but it could hardly be more appropriate. The book offers a road-map for caregivers to help them “stay strong during times of unprecedented change and uncertainty” using a combination of self-enquiry and openness to example.
The wisdom and advice in this book are beautifully organized and presented. It will be a memorable and motivational read both for those in the relevant professions and for the rest of us, simply struggling to make sense of life. It is strongly recommended for anyone in situations providing emotional support either by intent or by happenstance. It is essential that caregivers be kind to themselves.
1 review
January 13, 2021
This book is a beautiful journey of self-exploration. Accompanied by stunning photographs and images, Cultivate Compassion explores concepts of self-care, compassion and resilience and is especially relevant to health care and essential workers caring for/serving others during a global pandemic. We are experiencing unprecedented stress, and we need strategies to help us navigate the anxiety and uncertainty. This book guides the reader through principles intended to reduce stress and anxiety. I highly recommend this book!
1 review
January 15, 2021
I received this book as a gift and find it to be a thoughtful read that moves me to linger in thought, to honour my current self, my strengths and build on my best self. A wonderful gift !
1 review
January 27, 2021
In the midst of a pandemic and the accompanying suffering and sadness this book is a
must read. It is well researched, well written and the many photos of people, and
far away places support the books theme.
1 review
January 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! There is a lot of interesting research and strategies on how to overcome life's challenges. I am left feeling inspired and optimistic about the future!
1 review
January 13, 2021
A lovely inspirational read with beautiful pictures to go along with the quotes. Great book for a coffee table. I highly recommend this book!
1 review
January 9, 2021
What a beautiful book! Researched for input and insight with caregivers from around the globe. Gives hope and motivational strategy to get through life’s bumps and barriers. The pictures are beautiful and fit the narrative to a tee! Makes a beautiful gift too!
Profile Image for Maria James-Shier.
Author 1 book5 followers
June 30, 2024
CULTIVATE COMPASSION is a 2021 Indie Reader Discovery Award winner ~ Self-Help.
Compiling wisdom and advice from all over the world, CULTIVATE COMPASSION helps readers learn how to best retain a sense of compassion and inner strength during even the most difficult of times. The author's guidance covers a variety of topics, such as gratitude, authenticity, mindfulness and balance. An inspirational book that need not be read cover-to-cover, CULTIVATE COMPASSION offers good practices and solid direction for developing self-care, resilience, and kindness.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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