Self-compassion: A path to healing and happiness for a fulfilling and joyful life

Have you ever felt really hard on yourself after making a mistake or experiencing a setback? You're not alone. A lot of us struggle with self-criticism. What if there was a way to be kinder to ourselves? That's where self-compassion comes in. It's like giving yourself a warm hug when you need it most.

Moneycontrol News

September 12, 2024 / 14:29 IST

Self-compassion is the art of treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and forgiveness. (Image: Canva)

Self-compassion is the art of treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and forgiveness. It is often confused with self-esteem. It is a powerful way to heal emotional wounds, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being, whereas self-esteem is about feeling good about oneself. Self-compassion is about accepting oneself, flaws and all. It involves recognising that everyone makes mistakes and experiences suffering and that it is normal to feel pain and disappointment.

Practising self-compassion is very challenging, especially for those who are hard on themselves. However, it is a path that can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life.
Self-compassion is a relatively new concept, but it is effective in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and physical pain.
Self-compassion is often associated with mindfulness, which is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment.
Self-compassion can be practised in a variety of ways, including meditation, journaling, and spending time with nature.

“Self-compassion is not self-indulgence. It is self-care, a basic human need,” says Tara Brach, a psychologist and Buddhist meditation teacher who is an expert on the understanding of self-compassion and mindfulness. Her teachings emphasise the importance of self-acceptance and the cultivation of a compassionate and loving relationship with oneself.

Also see: Don't suppress your emotions, here's how sharing your feelings reduces stress, improves health

Here are some simple steps to include self-compassion in your life:

Don’t be critical: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings, and identify when you are being negative or judgmental. When you are feeling down, instead of focusing on your negative thoughts, remind yourself that it is okay to feel pain and disappointment and that you are not alone.

Be kind: When you are being critical, remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes. Instead of beating yourself up, remind yourself that everyone does so and that it is okay to learn from them. It is okay to feel pain and be disappointed. Compassionately talk to yourself. When you are feeling stressed, take some time for yourself to relax and recharge.