Compersion
Our Wholehearted Participation in the Joy of Others
Compersion is the positive empathy we feel for somebody else, even when their positive experience does not involve or benefit us directly. Thus, compersion can be thought of as the opposite of jealousy and possessiveness.
While the term has been coined, popularized, and researched in the context of consensual non-monogamy, learning about compersion can benefit people in all types of relationships.
Generosity begets generosity, and love begets love—creating a positive emotional feedback loop. Thus, compersion is fundamentally an expression of deep friendship and support, and it can be cultivated as a way to strengthen any connection.
The first-ever comprehensive research-based book on compersion is now available!
What is compersion? Is it the “opposite” of jealousy, as it is usually believed? Is it an emotion or a behavior? What causes it to arise and bloom? Can we “learn” compersion, or at least invite more of it into our lives?
Based on her seminal research with consensually non-monogamous (CNM) individuals, Dr. Marie Thouin unravels these questions and more in the first-ever book to offer a comprehensive model of compersion and a practical road map to cultivating it. Each chapter features compelling stories from real CNM people, making this a captivating and highly applicable read. In addition, Thouin addresses the broader social context, explaining how understanding compersion is a groundbreaking step toward a world that supports relational diversity and freedom. By disrupting the idea that jealousy is the only valid response to intimacy beyond monogamy, the existence and practice of compersion builds the foundation for a completely new paradigm of loving relationships. This book and its conclusions have profound implications for many fields of study and practice including psychology, sexuality studies, philosophy and ethics, and law. Indispensable for CNM individuals, therapists, counselors, and scholars, this book is also invaluable for anyone curious to learn about positive empathy, intentional relationships, and radical love.
Compersion 101: A Foundational Course
What does it mean to be compersive?
How can we access more compersion for our partner(s) and loved ones?
Is compersion necessary for successful non-monogamous relationships?
In this comprehensive webinar, Dr. Marie Thouin addresses these questions and much more, using her breakthrough research and wisdom from her book, ‘What is Compersion? Understanding Positive Empathy in Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships’.
Information-packed 90-minute recording — $45.
Your Compersion
Worksheet
Do you want to invite more compersion into your life?
It starts with understanding what blocks it, and what promotes it, in your current circumstances!
This worksheet is designed to help you identify your unique compersion STRENGTHS & BOTTLENECKS.
It is born from original research, and is both detailed and simple to use.
The document also includes compassionate guidance on how to interpret and use your results and links to further resources.
Fill it out solo or with partner(s)! Use it to enrich your coaching sessions, or to enliven your next conversations with fellow relationships enthusiasts!
$27 to download — it’s yours forever to keep!
