I stumbled upon Kristin Neff’s work on self-compassion when I heard her interviewed on an autoimmunity podcast a few years ago.
Kristin Neff is a pioneering self-compassion researcher, author, and teacher. I was so inspired by her philosophy and teachings that I immediately bought her book, Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself.
This is some of what I had learned:
Self-compassion asks, “what do I need in this moment?”
Self-compassion is treating yourself like you treat a friend when you’re in pain, suffering, or having a hard time.
Most of us have learned how to be compassionate and kind to others, but we rarely show the same compassion and kindness to ourselves.
For some reason, it’s more difficult to say loving, nurturing, supportive, and motivating things to ourselves, than it is to someone else we care about.
The good news is, it is possible to learn to give ourselves what we need. But it is a practice. And it takes continued, conscious effort.
The reason why I resonate with self-compassion so much is because I spent years being judgemental and critical towards myself.
For far too long I was a perfectionist and overachiever and it was exhausting, hurtful, and ultimately counterproductive.
Then came the day I made the decision to put myself, my health, and my healing first and it was that day I decided to eliminate self-criticism and self-judgment.
I have learned that practicing self-compassion is a catalyst for motivating you to make life-long positive changes. It strengthens feelings of self-worth, and it supports reduction in tension and stress, major causes of inflammation, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Last month I took a two-day “Fierce Self-Compassion” workshop with Kristin Neff. I was so moved and inspired that I signed up for a 10-week “Mindful Self-Compassion” training, which started this past weekend.
As I continue to incorporate more mindful self-compassion into my personal and professional life and practices, I look forward to sharing that knowledge with you.
Love, your Wellness Coach,
Alyssa
P.S. Nourish Till You Flourish is open for enrollment. We start Monday, 12/7. Visit this link to register.
November 17, 2020
Commentaires