Compassion, Acceptance, and Forgiveness Are Their Own Reward By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist
Who Benefits When We Practice Compassion, Acceptance, and Forgiveness? We Do!
Not only do we feel better emotionally, but our autonomic nervous system also receives a nice little balancing tune-up.
These aren’t just moral virtues—they’re powerful tools for emotional and physical wellbeing.
Be compassionate,
be accepting,
be forgiving.
Everybody wins.
But mostly you.
Why Compassion, Acceptance, and Forgiveness Matters
From a psychological and physiological perspective, compassion, acceptance, and forgiveness help regulate our stress response system. It can reduce inflammation, calm the sympathetic nervous system, and support parasympathetic activity, leading to better mood, improved sleep, stronger relationships, and even a healthier heart.
These practices are not easy, especially when we are hurt, angry, or grieving—but over time, they become pathways to peace, resilience, and growth.
A Gentle Invitation
Try it for yourself. Start with a small act of compassion toward yourself or someone else today. Reflect on what acceptance might look like in a difficult situation. Explore forgiveness—not as approval or forgetting, but as a way to free yourself from the weight of resentment.
Because while it benefits others, the real healing begins within.
Further Resources
- Self-Compassion Exercises – https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/looking-after-yourself/self-compassion
- Mayo Clinic – Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and bitterness
- Compassion-Focused Practice -Psychotherapeutic benefits of compassion-focused therapy
- Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation
- David the Psychologist – What is Mindfulness?
