Throughout our lives, we all face frustrations, losses, difficulties, and various degrees of trauma. We're constantly being reminded that we live in a ever-changing world that escapes both our control and predictions.

Author and mindfulness expert Sylvia Comas argues that once we realise that suffering is inevitable, we're ready to embrace compassion as a necessity for life.

She defines it as a sensitivity to suffering - both your own suffering and that of others - along with a commitment to try to relieve or prevent it. But she's also keen to stress that developing compassion takes patience and practice.

The expert answers some of the most pressing questions about self-compassion, and how it means setting aside certain prejudices, understanding how to manage our emotions and making

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