In this episode, I’m joined by Neelama Eyres, Program Director at CCARE (The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education) at Stanford University.

We met through the online course Cultivate a Compassionate Heart, and I was immediately touched by Neelama’s grounded presence and deep wisdom. This conversation is an invitation to explore the connection between creativity and compassion, and how both are essential in today’s world — especially in times of personal or collective challenge. 

We speak about the science of compassion, everyday practices for self-kindness, and how meeting our own suffering can unlock strength, authenticity, and creative power. Find out:

• Why compassion is a creative force
• The difference between empathy and compassion (and why it matters)
• The power of common humanity in divided times
• Small practices to meet yourself with more care in everyday life
• Why perfectionism is not your friend :)
• And why compassion is a "forever practice" — not a one-time fix

Find out more about Neelama’s work:

Stanford CCARE

Cultivate a Compassionate Heart

Resources mentioned:

Mind Magic: The Neuroscience of Manifestation and How It Changes Everything Dr. James Doty

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

World Compassion Report by the Muhammad Ali Foundation

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Thank you for being here. Stay open, stay kind, and keep creating from the heart.