According to Kristin Neff, author and associate professor in the University of Texas at Austin’s department of educational psychology, Self-Compassion is composed of three main components – self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness.
Here are a few strategies you can try to deepen or create a self-compassion practice.
- Treat yourself like you would your best friend. In moments of pain and stress be gentle and kind.
- Say YES to yourself. Listen to your body and your needs. Give your body what it needs and don’t judge it.
- Give yourself a hug! Or you can even comfort yourself by putting your hands over your heart. The gesture doesn’t really matter as long as it is comforting to you.
- Make sure to watch your language and how you speak to yourself. Let go of self-judgment. If you are beating yourself up for messing up, let it go.
- Read compassionate affirmations daily. Choose what speaks to your heart.
- Listen to your body. What does it need? What makes your body thrive today?
- Practice a guided Loving Kindness Meditation.
Activity:
- Do you practice Self-Compassion?
- Out of the list above, which two will you focus on today?
- What makes Self-Compassion difficult?
- What makes Self-Compassion easy?
- Out of the list above, do you excel at practicing one or more of these suggestions?
We want to hear from you! Share how you are practicing Self-Compassion!