Self-Compassion
Kathy Mangan
The road to optimal well-being can be a crooked path. A second set of eyes can be just the ticket to identify the obstacles we put in our own path. I love working with people who are ready for their "next"!
Compassion.? We use that word a lot.? We, many times, are concerned with extending compassion to others and for those of us in the helping professions, that makes a ton of sense.? But, what about compassion for ourselves?
I consider self-compassion to be a component of self-care.? It is something we engage in as we learn and grow through life experiences.? I also believe that in order for us to be compassionate "out there", we need to start by being compassionate "in here".
It is important to recognize that self-compassion is not about letting yourself off the hook for unskillful behavior.? It is also not self-indulgent or pink and fluffy.? It is definitely not easy!
Where to begin?? I like to start by examining why it is I am so disappointed in myself.? What were my expectations and what were the ways I didn't "measure up"?? Once I have a bead on that, then I can begin to explore the underpinnings of the original expectation.? From this place, I can more objectively see the, probably, life-long patterns of thinking that got me to where I am.?
Now I have options and can choose to learn from the experience and use it for fuel to move me to my next best self!
Author/Historian/Intuitive Wise Woman
1 个月Kathy, you always hit the nail on the head. My husband broke his back in a fall in the shower while we were on a cruise. So I am caregiving, handling everything he did in the house, and trying to do my work. Today, I pulled through Wendy's, bought a burger, and sat on a park bench for an hour. What a treat.