Having compassion for yourself means honoring and accepting your human condition.
Rather than being critical of yourself, holding your mistakes over your head or blaming you for what happened, try being kind and understanding with yourself – like you would for a friend. Recognizing that pain, trauma and recovery are shared experiences instead of thinking that it happens to you alone and that nothing will change for the better will help you feel more hopeful in face of adversity.
Some ways to practice self-compassion are:
-Ask yourself, what would I say to a friend and use your own advise. It’s easier to look at things outside of ourselves and harder to take our own advice.
Have a Self-Compassion Break:
Think of a situation in your life that is difficult, that is causing you stress. Call the situation to mind and see if you can actually feel the stress and emotional discomfort in your body.
Now, say to yourself:
This is a moment of pain/suffering. That’s mindfulness.
- Ouch.
- This is stress.
- This hurts
Suffering is a part of life
- Other people feel this way.
- I’m not alone.
- We all struggle in our lives.
Now, put your hands over your heart, feel the warmth of your hands and the gentle touch of your hands on your chest. Or think of another self-soothing technique you discovered felt right for you.
Remember to be kind to yourself:
You can also ask yourself, “What do I need to hear right now to express kindness to myself?” Is there a phrase that speaks to you in your situation, such as:
- May I give myself the compassion that I need
- May I learn to accept myself as I am
- May I forgive myself
- May I be strong
- May I be patient
This practice can be used any time of day or night and will help you remember to evoke the three aspects of self-compassion when you need it most.
Practice mindfulness, especially regarding your self- critical thoughts and feelings.
Replace your self-critical thoughts by compassionate thoughts. Focus on the things you can change and let go of those you can’t.
Remember to Use Positive Affirmations:
I am strong
I am a kind human
My actions are meaningful
I am constantly growing
I have an incredible life
Grow you Mindset:
Change from I can’t do this to I am still learning, I will keep trying
I am afraid to mistakes are how I learn and grow
This is too hard to with more practice, it will get easier…
