On Self-Compassion

[Guest guest]

During those times when our lives are filled with what seems to be constant change and growth, it is important to remember that we need to be gentle with ourselves. Since it can be easy to use our energy to keep up with the momentum of our lives, we may not be aware of the fact that we are much more likely to run ourselves down. When things seem to be moving quickly, it is especially essential that we make a point to slow down and be gentle with ourselves. It might be difficult to notice what is happening to us for we may be so caught up in the whirlwind of our lives that we lose sight of the direction in which things are heading. Being self-compassionate doesn’t mean that we don’t accomplish things. Instead it means that we honor ourselves on an ongoing basis and take care of the needs of our bodies and spirits.

This means different things to different people. Putting our energy into ourselves in some manner though, helps create space for a more positive, loving, and accepting view of our lives. By setting the intention to do so, we will be more cognizant of our physical and spiritual energy levels on a daily basis and more able to replenish them as needed. The more we are able to treat our bodies and spirits as deserving of the effort, the more compassion we will call forth into our lives and by extension, be able to share with others. Learning to understand and pay attention to what our self needs are will allow us to fill our lives with acceptance and to truly take care of the things that mean the most to us. From the Library: Positive Energy by Judith Orloff