Compassion: Self Review
- personal995
- May 31, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 10, 2025
Index
Purpose
Compassion: Self Review is a section of Compassion.
This page and section exists to check in and objectively review your relationships with Compassion.
The more objective and honest your are, the more likely you are to face reality accurately, and in turn, the more likely you are to get beneficial outcomes.
Introduction
Richard Feynman, the great physicist, once said, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself — and you are the easiest person to fool.”
We need to check in with ourselves and keep ourselves honest. We all stray from our Values, Goals and The Path. That is normal, that is okay. What we do when we realise we have strayed is what matters.
The Socratic method is a form of cooperative, argumentative dialogue to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. It is named after the classical Greek philosopher Socrates, who employed this method in his teaching.
In the Socratic method, instead of providing direct answers to questions, a person engages in a dialogue to explore and clarify their own (or others) thoughts and beliefs. This process involves asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and uncover underlying assumptions or contradictions.
When applied to the self, the Socratic method becomes a means of self-inquiry and reflection.
Process
In the tradition of the Socratic method, the below is a series of questions to consider when checking in with yourself as you progress:
Review each question one at a time. Are you being honest with yourself? Do you truly know your position and progress?
The Self Review Worksheet in The Workbook can be used to help document your thoughts, answers and plans for moving forward.
Based on your review, thoughts, answers and plans for moving forward:
Do you need to adjust your Models & Theories to course correct or move forward?
Do you have further Lessons to learn to adapt your approach?
Are there Tactics that could assist you to better handle specific scenarios?
Whatever the answers are you discover about yourself, whether positive or negative, it doesn't really matter. What matters is what you do next.
Continually learn, continually improve and move forward.
Self Review
1. How do I typically respond to others' suffering or challenges?
Reflect on your natural tendencies when faced with others' difficulties. Explore your emotional and behavioral responses.
2. What assumptions or judgments do I hold about others?
Identify any preconceptions or biases that may influence your perceptions of others. Consider how these might hinder compassion.
3. Am I actively listening to others without judgment?
Assess your listening skills. Are you genuinely open to understanding others' perspectives, or do you tend to make quick judgments?
4. How do I handle conflicts or disagreements with others?
Examine your approach to conflicts. Do you respond with defensiveness or hostility, or do you seek understanding and resolution?
5. In what ways do I practice self-compassion?
Consider how you treat yourself during challenging times. Developing self-compassion is often foundational to extending compassion to others.
6. What steps can I take to better understand the experiences of others?
Explore ways to broaden your understanding of diverse perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds. This can deepen your compassion.
7. How do I express kindness and empathy in my daily interactions?
Reflect on your everyday behaviors. Identify instances where you've shown kindness or empathy and consider how you can expand these actions.
8. Do I recognize the common humanity that connects us all?
Evaluate your awareness of shared experiences and emotions. Recognizing our common humanity is essential for cultivating compassion.
9. What small acts of kindness can I incorporate into my daily life?
Identify practical steps you can take to incorporate compassion into your daily routine. Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact.
10. How do I respond when someone makes a mistake or falls short of expectations?
Reflect on your reactions to others' mistakes. Consider whether your response is empathetic and understanding or judgmental.
11. What role does forgiveness play in my interactions with others?
Examine your capacity for forgiveness. Are you able to let go of resentments and approach others with a clean slate?
12. Do I actively seek to understand differing opinions and perspectives?
Assess your openness to diverse viewpoints. Consider whether you actively seek to understand others who hold opinions different from your own.
13. How do I handle my own emotions in challenging situations?
Reflect on your emotional regulation during difficult moments. Consider how managing your own emotions impacts your ability to respond with compassion.
14. Am I mindful of the impact of my words and actions on others?
Consider the potential impact of your communication and behavior on others. Reflect on whether you are mindful of how your actions may be perceived.
15. Do I take time to understand the unique challenges others may be facing or have faced?
Consider whether you proactively seek to understand the challenges and struggles others may be experiencing / have experienced, and if so, how you can offer support.
16. How do I prioritize self-care to ensure I am better equipped to support others?
Reflect on your self-care practices. Consider how taking care of your own well-being contributes to your capacity for compassion and support for others.
By posing these self-reflective questions you can deepen your awareness of your current position. In turn, enhancing the clarity and most important steps of your strategic approach moving forward.
Output Checklist
Completed Self Review Worksheet from The Workbook guided via the above Compassion: Self Review.
Next Steps
If you feel you have key learnings to takeaway, return to Compassion: Main to integrate into your Output Checklist.
To continue to learn more, move on to Compassion: Lessons.
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