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Self -compassion

 


Today I want to talk about self-compassion. Most often than not we have a lot of compassion for others, but probably when it comes to us, we forget about compassion.
Think about a time when you felt compassion for someone. Could be a family member or a friend or even a person on the street?
Now pause and think about what are some of the things you do or say out of compassion.
Very naturally, some of us would offer a hug or just say something meaningful to make the other person feel better.
But when it comes to us, we are quite judgmental. We are harsh critics of ourselves. Self-compassion may just mean just being kind to ourselves.
Quietening that critical voice within that keeps nagging us, mostly telling us that we are either no good enough or we are falling short of something somewhere. Pay attention to this self-talk.
Our brain is wired in a way that the more we feed it with critical talk, it accepts the feed.
The only way to rewire it or apply neuroplasticity is to change the story and the narrative.
Accept the fact that we are all imperfect beings and also acknowledge the fact that we should be kind to ourselves.
A lot of negative emotions like fear, guilt, shame have the same effect as sleep deprivation and research suggests that self-compassion and kindness ease the are of the pre-frontal cortex.
The self-talks if negative do become a habit and in turn, lead to stress and a certain level of anxiety.
Practicing self-compassion has remarkable effects on our self-esteem and it starts with a very simple thought of simply being kind to ourselves. It's time to stop beating yourself up. Compassion should start with us, only then can we show compassion to others around us. Show yourself some love:)


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