Self-Compassion is an Open Door
Image: Shutterstock/Jorm S
We are taught to be compassionate, but is it ever in service to the self? Have you longed for pure kindness and wondered if you are worthy of it? Please accept this invitation to recognize the goodness and vulnerability of you and feel the embrace of total acceptance. Compassion turned inward opens doors to new possibilities and achievements. So let’s try it.
Kristen Neff identifies self-compassion as the power to overcome feelings of inadequacy through warmth and understanding for the self. Sounds really hard, especially when we have an inner critic riding our shoulder every day. Yet it isn’t so difficult when you start by taking the smallest baby steps. Being gentle and patient with oneself are the key ingredients in realizing this power.
A fellow traveler once said she would try new things that are a little safe and a little scary. I immediately envisioned a small child learning to swim. In this vision the child wears goggles and water wings. The instructor holds the child gently and encourages them to dip their face in the water for a few seconds. The child’s first time in a giant pool, buoyed by a stranger, is a scary thing. Yet step-by-step they safely acclimate to the environment, becoming more comfortable with floating, learning to keep water out of their nose, and so on. Then suddenly the child is swimming on their own, climbing out of the pool, and leaping off the side, courageous and free. The door is now open to an entirely new life experience.
Whenever you struggle or embark on something new, find a way to be gentle with yourself. Even if you believe you don’t deserve such kindness, do it. It’s the first step — your water wings as it were — and soon enough a door will open to your new possibilities and achievements.
Let’s Try Something
In this moment, experience the feeling of self-compassion by gently hugging yourself, holding your face in your hands, or placing your hand over your heart. Close your eyes and quietly rest in this way for a few breaths. How do you feel? Try it when you’re feeling anxious or unworthy, as you commence a new challenge, or even as a daily ritual. Then see what happens.
In what other ways can you practice this newfound power?
In creativity and compassion —