Qualities of a Mentor of Compassion

Boundless Compassion Facilitators (BCFs) come from many religious beliefs and walks of life. However, BCFs tend to share a few important qualities that allow them to become compassionate mentors to others. Click here to learn more about becoming a BCF.

Mentors often have the following qualities":

• acquainted with suffering from personal and other life experiences

• able to empathize with another

• listens generously and open-heartedly

• appreciates diversity; attentive to being non-judgmental

• avoids the desire to control or change the other

• values interconnectedness with all of life

• waits patiently for the “lessons of life” to unfold

• practices compassion toward self in body, mind and spirit

• embodies a spirit of hope and resiliency

• actively involved in one’s own growth needs

• willingness to facilitate others in strengthening their compassion 

• able to laugh at life’s absurdities and to lighten up 

• continues to deepen and expand an understanding of compassion

• mindful of expectations of self and others

• maintains serenity by faithfulness to a spiritual practice

• able to discern one's inner values and respects those with differing views