Self Compassion

Why is it that showing compassion for others is easier than showing compassion for ourselves?



We can be so hard on ourselves (I know I can!). We can be unforgiving, disappointed, critical, judgemental, and non-loving with ourselves. And, of course, this makes us feel awful. I, for one, don't want to feel that way, I'm shooting for joyful! So, what if we practiced the same compassion we have for others ~ on ourselves? We're not perfect and that's ok - why, because it's a fact of life. So let's make peace with it!



How do we make peace with that voice in our head that is so critical of us? First, give it a name! Yes, that's right, a name. The critic in my head is called 'Gabby' because she has an opinion on almost everything and can go on forever about it! However, when she begins to voice her displeasure, she's simply thanked for her input and dismissed. After a lot of practice, I now find myself laughing about it which lightens my mood! I can then come back into my awareness of compassion and choose to be kinder to myself, as I would a friend. If we have experience soothing a friend or loved one then we are fully capable of expressing compassion for ourselves. It just takes practice.



Self compassion is about moving from feeling 'awful' to feeling 'full of awe' for ourselves!

Compassion

Compassion is incredibly powerful. It is the difference between happiness and sadness, wellness and illness, openness and judgement. To really feel compassion for someone or something I must be able to remove my own 'ego' - not always easy. However, when I'm able to get out of my own way and really feel or understand in my heart what the other person is feeling, it is so much easier to act in a compassionate way. When my ego keeps me seperate from someone, usually by my own judgement towards them - then I'm closed to any feeling or acts of compassion. So, I love this idea of 'practice compassion'. Practice it daily!!




What does it look like on a daily basis? Listening, really listening to others. Being kind and considerate. Taking the time to really be present with others. Giving what I can rather than taking what I want. Remembering we are ONE and not seperate from each other, which means how I am with others affects how I am with myself.




Albert Einstein said, "A human being is a part of a whole, called by us 'universe', a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest. . . a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ouselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."

Affirmations

Reflecting back on a positive affirmation during the course of the day, particularly a difficult day, is so helpful in remembering that our focus is on joyful living. When it feels like the 'sky is falling', simply repeating a personal affirmation can ease the negative vibrations of energy that may be swirling around. My affirmation for this Wednesday eve is "I love that I have a choice about how I view my life experience."

Joyful Living

Intentional living is based in awareness. However, it's easy to get caught up in the activities of the day and not pay attention to how we are really living our lives. "Just get me to tomorrow" is sometimes our mantra!

When we become aware that we can choose how we respond to the demands of our lives, the joyful possibilities are endless. So, each week as I pull one of my Sabbath Cards, I'll post it and share my experience about each one.

"Create an Affirmation for Joyful Living"

This serves as my vision for how I intent to live more joyfully.

"I choose joy and look for things to laugh about every day."

"My family is my greatest joy and I tell them daily that I love them."

"Nature inspires and nurtures me. I spend time outside each day experiencing what it has to share with me."

Share your affirmations and create ripples of joyful living!!