Self-compassion

When friends are suffering, this is what I share:

Kristin Neff’s Self-Compassion Break (visit her website, she’s amazing).

This simple technique is helpful to practice anytime you are feeling anxious, or suffering in some way. The sentences can be said very slowly, and listened to deeply, or over and over rather quickly, like a chant. So nourishing!

Self-Compassion Break

(with hands held over your heart to feel the warmth)

This is a moment of suffering.

Suffering is part of life.

May I be kind to myself in this moment.

May I give myself the compassion I need.

When something difficult happens, stop. Do this practice. It’s so simple and easy, and deeply comforting. I’ve shared this with many friends, male and female, and been surprised at how many get back to me and tell me how very much this has helped.

There is NO reason, by the way, to cling to suffering. It won’t help. You can be with it, and then… let it go. The letting it go part can take years, but stick with it. This way lies freedom from suffering.

Kristen Neff also has a new Self-Compassion Course with Brene Brown. Brene is famous for her TED talks The Power of Vulnerability and Listening to Shame. She describes the latter as an unspoken epidemic, and the secret behind many forms of broken behavior. Powerful stuff.

Listen to Kristen’s TED talk, The Space Between Self-Esteem and Self Compassion.

Read Kristen’s book, Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself

There—you have several threads to follow! But meanwhile, take care of yourself. Comfort yourself. Let go of suffering.

With love,
Jo