This qualitative study examined the question: How do AA sponsorsÕ experiences of being compassionate change over time? AA sponsors (N=5), with levels of experience ranging from 1 to 20 years, explained how they learned and practiced compassion over time. In describing their growth as compassion practitioners they identified
characteristics used to define levels of compassion development ranging from early to expert. The data revealed specific processes that helped practitioners advance in their practice of compassion along these levels. These processes included a predicating ego transformation that resulted in their becoming open to empathy and compassion, followed by performing compassionate acts within a compassionate relationship fostered by a mentor experienced in compassion.