Compassion is the New Life Hack
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Kevin Tuerff |
TEDxLakeheadU
• November 2019
"On 9/11, compassion transformed me. Try it, you’ll feel happier, and cities will reduce suffering."
On September 11, when US airspace was closed, Kevin Tuerff’s transatlantic flight was diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, population 9,000. He was one of 6,579 stranded airline passengers and crew from 90 countries who were recipients of compassion. The experience inspired him to create the annual Pay it Forward 9/11 random acts of kindness movement, which has spread from the US to Canada, UK and Australia. Medical research reveals performing acts of kindness releases chemicals in the brain, which create a feeling of euphoria.
Some confuse the definitions of empathy and compassion. Compassion means to engage in the suffering of others. By practicing kindness and compassion regularly, individuals can transform themselves and their local community.