A Narrative Approach to Practising Compassion

When we start with a practice-first approach, we are stepping into the unknown; we do not have a map; instead, we notice, connect with, feel and make sense of the territory as we journey along the path. Thus, this chapter addresses the broad policy themes of emotion and kindness. It deliberately and purposefully aims to reflect that way of travelling a practice-first journey with the aim of being compassionate in a higher educational setting. It is a chapter of questions, curiosity and stories where the reader is invited to engage with an active dialogical attitude. However, the chapter also provides the reader with a map to aid practice using Johns’ six dialogical movements’ reflective narrative methodological framework. The chapter deliberately aims to shine a light on university practices that could be seen as both compassionate and uncompassionate depending on the lens and position through which one is viewing. The chapter explores, through reflective narrative, some of the conflicting raison d’etre by those who inhabit higher education. Ultimately, the chapter is intended as a potential cartography guide for individuals and policymakers as they embark on a practice-first approach to being and becoming a compassionate citizen in higher education and beyond.