Being a people pleaser was holding Lucy back. She realised she could say no, but with compassion. Lucy tells how finding that fierce compassion helped save not only her life, but the life of another. Lucy Chan teaches mindfulness, self-compassion and Buddhism internationally. Over a decade ago she discovered mindfulness and self-compassion practices as a way to cope with burnout while working as a doctor in the NHS. Something clicked and she took time out to live in mindfulness centres where she learnt to move through life in a more balanced and loving way.

Finding courage to stay true to her values, she is now an engaged activist; an inner activist practising and teaching radical self-acceptance worldwide, and an outer activist involved in peaceful protests in the spirit of creating a more compassionate and environmentally-sustainable world. Her passions include supporting fellow caregivers, and sustaining those who are working towards a more just and equal society.

She is a director of the Stroud-based non-profit Mindful Living Retreats which is committed to nurturing safe and inclusive mindfulness communities that welcome people from all walks of life. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx