As we exploration practices to De-Stress, let's contemplate Self-Compassion. We can define Self-Compassion as the ability to turn understanding, acceptance and love inward in the face of inadequacy, failure, shame or general suffering.
Self-Compassion has been shown to correlate with less anxiety, depression, shame, and fear of failure. When we have an awareness of self-compassion we are less likely to depend on others to validate our own worth, improving our general emotional resilience.
nurture self-compassion as a way of living:
Mindfulness of Self-Criticism and Judgement. Talk to yourself as you would talk to a dear friend, a small child or your beloved. Often times, we can nurture self-compassion simply by re-patterning our self talk.
Practice Setting Boundaries. Get clear on what and how much you can offer. How much time can you truly give to others and not feel depleted, how much is too much?
Be aware of social media and screen time. Many of us can be negatively impacted by images and commentary on social media. When nurturing our ability to have self-compassion notice what brings you into a natural place of compassion and what might bring you into more of a place of dis-ease internally.
Self-Compassion Mantra. Developing your mantra may take you a quick moment or it may evolve over time as you continue to de-layer and let go fold patterning. Find a mantra that is simple and will remain top of the mind, so that you can use it at any moment. What could you use to speak compassionately to yourself to get out of shame and into self-compassion? What phrase/mantra would support rerouting and refocusing the mind?
May I be peaceful and at ease.
May I be kind to myself in this moment and remember that I am doing my best.
May I speak with compassion to myself and remember that this is a journey of Love and Forgiveness.
