The Power of Self-Compassion
The power of self-compassion can help you to effectively rid yourself of the self-critical thoughts behind feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression.
What is self-compassion?
- Being kind to yourself in the midst of suffering.
- Soothing, comforting and caring for yourself in the midst of emotional turmoil.
Why is self-compassion helpful?
When you have a tough emotion, your nervous system activates fight or flight mode. Your mind is trying to figure out where an “attack” may come from so that you can fend it off. When you start attacking yourself, now your system becomes even more dysregulated. You are both the victim and the attacker.
Self-compassion on the other hand helps to soothe the nervous system. By offering comfort and guidance, your nervous can calm down. When we are physiologically calm, we are better able to think and reason. This means we can problem-solve and make decisions more effectively.
Think about your most inspiring coaches and mentors. Were they attacking you or coaching you through hard things?
How to practice self compassion
- Validate – Identify your feeling without judgment. “I am feeling…” Let it be ok to have that feeling. There is no wrong emotion. It is ok to feel whatever you feel.
- Normalize – All humans experience anger, sadness, anxiety etc. It is normal to react to things that are hard. You are not odd or broken just because you have feelings.
- Soothe – Ask yourself, “what do I need in this moment?” What would help you to calm your nervous system? Movement? Relaxation? Comfort?
- Encourage – Coach yourself through the experience. What would a kind parent, coach or mentor say to you? What would you say to a friend going through the same thing?
Need help harnessing the power of self-compassion?
Check out Playa Vida Therapy and Wellness!