Great question!
Some days I feels very unclear and I am judging myself a lot. Other days it feels very clear, and I do not beat myself up.
I believe in exploring, rather than giving answers (to some questions anyway) and I want you to feel into what self-compassion means and feels to you.
When you read the word self-compassion what comes up for you?
But, because it can be helpful to have an wise woman's word I would like to offer Kristin Neff’s thoughts on Self-Compassion. I am truly inspired by her and her work and can highly recommend her book.
She writes that self-compassion consists of 3 elements: Self-Kindness, Common Humanity and Mindfulness. I feel they interweave, but that the first step is awareness. This brings us to know, and to the only moment we can move forward from.
Practice for this coming week
First step is really to become aware. Checking in and getting intimate with what is. An inner weather report if you will. So I'd like to introduce the short check-in.
Whenever you sit in the car, leave the house, go to the restroom or remember, do the following:
- Close your eyes and take 3 deep breaths
- Connect to whatever is going on right now, thoughts, kids screaming, lists and to do’s etc. As best you can without judging or hurrying to change it, just noticing.
- Sense the body, feet, buttocks, back, hands, head
- Not changing anything just noticing.
- When you feel ready open your eyes and continue your day
Do this as many times a day as you feel called to. What do you notice when you check in? Write a few words down in your journal or share in the comments below.
With love
Carina
