I’m working on self-compassion this week.
This is an important skill for so many reasons.
“Individuals who are more self-compassionate tend to have greater happiness, life satisfaction and motivation, better relationships and physical health, and less anxiety and depression. They also have the resilience needed to cope with stressful life events such as divorce, health crises, and academic failure, and even combat trauma.” https://www.mindful.org/the-transformative-effects-of-mindful-self-compassion/
Here is some of what Thich Nhat Hanh had to say about self-compassion…
“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.”
“Don’t try to be someone else…The cosmos has come together and helped you manifest in this way, and you are beautiful just as you are.”
“To love is first of all to accept ourselves as we are.”
Offering yourself “Metta” which means “loving kindness” is one way to develop self-compassion.
Try silently saying the following phrase to yourself.
“May I be happy. May I be well. May I be safe. May I be peaceful and at ease.”
To develop a new habit, it’s helpful to pair it with something you already do such as going to the bathroom or brushing your teeth.
So, maybe the next time you wash your hands you can try offering yourself “Metta.”
You’re worth it❤