Self-Compassion
In this moment of time, there seems to be a wave of change and expectation to return to life as it was pre-pandemic. This is an opportunity to take a moment to be present and recognize what it is we truly need right now (and moving forward). Hopefully over the last 18 months you’ve experienced a new awareness of what is essential to you and connection to what makes you feel most comfortable. There has been an opportunity to strengthen out compassion for others and for ourselves.
In yoga philosophy the word karuna applies to this concept.
karuṇā = karu + na
karu action; endeavor; ability to do
na to move forward; to lead; leading capacity; the process of reaching a destination
This term refers to an action or virtue that enables you to move forward and compels you to help others move forward. In a broader sense this term includes the virtue that compels you to pull others out of their misery and compels you to extend the same treatment to yourself when you feel stuck or overwhelmed. The essence of this virtue is compassion.
Some researchers (Daniel Goleman) suggest that our brains are hardwired for compassion to others. Loving Kindness Meditation is a technique to connect to our compassion. The practice to repeat the wish that others are happy, healthy, and well. This activity has been shown to affect our overall wellbeing and increase our empathy. This same technique can be directed at yourself.
Self-compassion can include setting boundaries for yourself or allowing space for what you are feeling. Think of how you would treat a friend and use the same compassion for yourself. Give yourself permission to be exactly where you are in this moment. Acknowledge all that is going on for you (the negative feelings, fears, the urge to avoid them, the desire for something different – you get the idea ;).
Part of your self-compassion practice can include a regular check-in through yoga practice or journaling or going for a walk or meditation. Giving yourself a set time to assess where you are has the potential to increase your awareness to subtle shifts and recognition of what you need in this moment. What have you done today to be kind to yourself?