Self-compassion involves treating ourselves kindly in times of emotional distress, just as we would a close friend we care about. Rather than making global evaluations of ourselves as “good” or “bad,” self-compassion involves understanding ourselves as imperfect humans, and learning to be present with the inevitable struggles of life with greater ease. It motivates us to make needed changes in our lives not because we’re worthless or inadequate as we are, but because we care about ourselves and want to lessen our suffering.
Having compassion for yourself means that you honor and accept your humanness. Things will not always go the way you want them to. You will encounter frustrations, losses will occur, you make mistakes, bump up against your own limitations, fall short of your ideals. This is the human condition, a reality shared b all of us. The more you open your heart to this reality instead of constantly fighting against it, the more you will be able to feel compassion for yourself and others.
If you would like to understand more about the benefits of self-compassion and get some tips on how to practice it, watch this video with Dr. Kristin Neff, a pioneering researcher in the field of self-compassion.
Meditation instructor Alice Lash offers mindfulness meditation in Miami. If you would like to learn how to practice self-compassion or learn how to incorporate it into an already existing meditation practice, contact Mindfultime today.
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