Life is filled with many pleasures and joys although everyone suffers and some of us suffer more than others. Self-Compassion isn’t feeling sorry for yourself or self-pity. It doesn’t mean you only think about yourself. It is simply warmth, self-care or concern expressed for yourself, just like you would share compassion or empathy for another person.
People who lack empathy for themselves often seek out many self- destructive avenues to alleviate their suffering. Drinking, drugs, self-harming behavior, relationship difficulties, depression, angry outbursts, sex addiction, eating disorders, anxiety and chronic stress.
According to many researchers developing self-compassion is a more emotionally intense and healing experience than increasing self esteem. Self-Compassion has a powerful effect on anyone and can reduce the impact of difficult conditions, helping an individual preserve their much needed self-worth and build self-resilience. In other words how we treat ourselves will sculpt our being. I think Walt Whitman, said it best when he wrote in Song of the Open Road, “I am larger, better than I thought, I did not know I held so much goodness.”
Join me each week throughout this year as we explore how to develop self-compassion and increase your inner strength, happiness, sense of peace and inner joy.
Happy New Year!
Best Always,
Dr. Kimberly