I have read Wilson Hurley’s newest work Compassion’s Compass cover to cover several times since it first fell in my hands, and it has quickly become an invaluable addition to my library. Hurley has managed to blend his secular knowledge and experiences skillfully and seamlessly as a professor and social worker with his knowledge and experience of Tibetan Buddhist practices of training the mind. At first, I saw this as a wonderful workbook and tool for anyone working in the mental health, social justice, and educational fields. But, as I continued to review, I realized it is a must-have for anyone and everyone dealing with people going through difficult situations. Hurley has provided us with clear, concise, straightforward strategies and solutions that we can use daily to help us develop our basic human kindness, love and empathy not just towards others but towards ourselves as well.
— Jessica Pimentel, Actress/musician
Compassion's Compass is precisely what we need now as individuals and as a society! Wilson Hurley's is a voice of deep kindness, reason and sanity. He has spent decades bringing compassion to individuals, schools, workplaces and larger institutions. Here he offers a practical path away from stress, confusion, division and interpersonal destruction, helping us to again find a peace of mind and of heart, to connect to our own sense of meaning and purpose in life, and to connect with others in a spirit of respect, empathy and compassion. If you want happiness and meaning in your own life, then read this book and practice the methods it teaches. If you want to help your family members, your workplace and the communities that you participate in then share this book with others and work together on implementing the research-based, accessible and highly practical methods that it teaches!
— Lorne Ladner, author of The Lost Art of Compassion
I was thrilled to discover Wilson C. Hurley’s Compassion’s Compass, which presents in a beautifully written and authentically experienced book, the wisdom and secular method of developing the enlivening and competent force of compassion that is so essential to our society and world in its present crisis. Hurley’s own long experience as a social worker, confronting the terrible realities of the hardships faced by the most disadvantaged members of our societies, and his evident personal attainment of deep understanding of the way that the vision and skills of compassion can effectively help beings in distress, have enabled him to produce this wonderful book and a workable curriculum for individuals intent on empowering their human compassion and even for the new kind of school every 21rst century society needs. A work of great and lasting value.
— Robert A.F. Thurman, Padma Shri Professor Emeritus of Indo-Tibetan Buddhology, Buddhist Studies Professr Emeritus
For many clinicians, learning how to maintain compassion for oneself and our clients can be a struggle in the face of unrelenting pressures across our personal and professional networks. Wilson’s wisdom, experience, and honesty about what has worked and maybe not worked so well, shine through in this very accessible book that embraces change as part of deepening our connections to ourselves and others. Each chapter provides both a conceptualization of core concepts like “kindness” along with exercises to help build and strengthen your personal compassion muscles. Reading this book has helped me to be more conscious in my own work with clients and I have no doubt it can help you to transform your own work.
— Peter J. Delany, The Catholic University of America
In Compassion's COMPASS: Strategies for Developing Insight, Kindness, and Empathy, Wilson C. Hurley writes: “compassion is the thread that stitches together the fabric of society”. COMPASS stands for “Compassion and Analytical Selective-Focus Skills”, an approach used to support the cultivation of awareness and self-compassion. Hurley provides the research and the practical aspects of the process as well as anecdotal stories that reinforce just how effective it can be. Written for a practitioner or a care professional, with a very helpful guide at the end of the book.
— Sharon Salzberg, author of "Lovingkindness" and "Real Happiness"
Compassion’s Compass, Strategies for Developing Kindness and Insight, by Wilson C. Hurley, explains how to develop basic human values such as patience, mindfulness, and kindness without touching any particular religious belief. It is accessible to all regardless of age or belief. I commend the author for his hard work and hope that readers will find this book helpful.
— from the Foreword by H. H. The Dalai Lama
I just finished this amazing book. This will become required reading for my future students studying to be professional Counselors! I highly recommend it for any of you who would like to develop your consciousness to a higher calling of compassion and kindness. It was amazing especially for people In helping professions. Wilson Hurley thank you for this guide!
— Joanne Jodry, EdD, DMH, Monmouth University, Professional Counseling