Kindness Compass
Send a kind wish to yourself, someone you love, someone neutral, someone difficult, and all beings everywhere. Kindness Compass practises loving-kindness (metta) for others and is best for empathy and relationship difficulties.
How to play Kindness Compass
- 1Start by sending kind wishes to yourself.
- 2Turn the compass to a loved one, then a neutral person.
- 3Try a gentle wish for someone you find difficult.
- 4Finish by wishing all beings well.
Who it helps
- Sibling or friendship conflict
- Building empathy for someone hard to get along with
- A gentler complement to Kindness Garden's self-compassion focus
- Teens and adults exploring loving-kindness meditation for the first time
- A closing practice after a hard day
Why Kindness Compass works
Loving-kindness meditation (metta) is one of the more thoroughly studied contemplative practices. Positive-emotions researcher Barbara Fredrickson's work at the University of North Carolina found that a regular loving-kindness practice increased people's daily positive emotions, which in turn built lasting personal resources including stronger social connection and life satisfaction. This game follows the traditional structure, widening the circle of kindness outward from yourself to someone difficult to everyone, everywhere.
Read the full guide on our blog →Frequently Asked Questions
What age is Kindness Compass for?
Kindness Compass is designed for ages 8+. Use the age button in the top corner of the game to switch between Little (5-8), Older (9-12) and Teen+ modes, which adjust the tips, text size and voice speed.
What does Kindness Compass teach?
It practises loving-kindness (metta) for others. It works best for empathy and relationship difficulties.
Is Kindness Compass free?
Yes. It runs in any modern web browser on phones, tablets and computers, with no app, download or account needed.
Can it replace therapy or medical care?
No. Mindfulness games are a supportive everyday practice, not a treatment. If a child or adult is struggling with ongoing anxiety, low mood, anger or sleep problems, speak with a doctor, counsellor or other qualified professional.
Try another game
Read faces, body clues and situations to work out how someone feels, then choose a kind detective move.
Plant seeds of kindness for yourself and watch your very own garden bloom with every kind thought.
Breathe along with your animated buddy. Choose belly, box, or star breathing and grow your calm bar.