The difference between empathy and compassion is empathy can often wear us out; when we take on the emotions of the sufferings of others constantly at a cost to taking care of ourselves eventually we burn out. Compassion is the key for empathic people, it allows us to witness others emotions without identifying with them, and in that witness state we are actually able to maintain our connection to an infinite stream of understanding, caring, and love made out of inner strength and nurturance. We cannot open ourself to compassion to others without first pouring compassion into ourselves, mastering loving kindness towards our own hearts, as this is where the stream of this infinite love is held.

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