The first step toward feeling compassion for others is to set the intention to try it out.

There’s no denying that it takes effort to set the intention to see our fundamental connected-ness with others.

We’re in charge of our own forgiveness, and the process takes time, patience, and intention.

No matter what we think we should do, I don’t think you can coerce yourself into loving your neighbor—or your boss—when you can’t stand him. But if you try to understand your feelings of dislike with mindfulness and compassion, being sure not to forget self-compassion, you create the possibility for change.

With a clear intention and a willing spirit, sooner or later we experience the joy and freedom that arises when we recognize our common humanity with others and see that real love excludes no one.

The more we practice sympathetic joy, the more we come to realize that the happiness we share with others is inseparable from our own happiness.