How often do you bash yourself with your internal dialog?
Mine can sound like: “Jeez, Teresa what were you thinking?, Again, seriously? Open mouth and augh….
Do you ever say to yourself...."How could you be so…… (fill in the blank with something self-deprecating – weird, harsh, disorganized, irresponsible, etc.)" Sometimes I do and Yes, my inner dialog and self-critic are a continued work in progress.
Why is Self-Compassion so important?
There’s a direct scientific link to career success and overall well-being with self-compassion. If you want to know more or nerd out on neuroscience with me - contact me.
Self-Compassion is a key component to well-being and being resilient
- Want to feel good and have good well-being? Learn self-compassion
- Want to be motivated and feel good about your work? Dig into self-compassion.
- Harvard University has a Stress & Development Lab where they host self -compassion exercises and meditations. Many from Kristin Neff, PhD's work https://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/#guided-meditations
What does self-compassion mean and where did this topic come from?
The short definition is: "Giving yourself the same kindness and care you’d give a good friend” - Kristin Neff, PhD
It’s a way of speaking and treating ourselves when we fail, make a mistake or have challenges.
Dr. Kristin Neff pioneered her work in 2003 and is an associate professor at the University of Texas @ Austin in the educational psychology department. I had the privilege of attending a workshop and also have used personally: The Mindful Self-Compassion: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive Workbook ~ Kristin Neff, PhD & Christopher Germer, PhD
Full definition: “Self-compassion entails being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or flagellating ourselves with self-criticism.” ~ The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, Neff, K,D, & Germer, C.K. 2018
Self-Compassion is a key part of having well-being and being a resilient person.
I shared the three parts to self-compassion this past weekend from my research and own inner work on self-compassion. I wanted to share with you my readers as well. . Please see the resources below to learn more and know the basis of my research.
3 Parts of Self-Compassion & Simple Tips to Try
1. Self-Kindness
a. Being kind to YOU when things don’t work out, you make a mistake, life knocks you down.
b. Give yourself grace, patience and kindness
c. Know and understand your weaknesses and flaws
d. Try this - Listen to your inner self talk. Be aware, notice. and, give yourself grace.
2. Common Humanity
a. Humans are flawed, we make mistakes, we become ill, we fail
b. When life gets hard – view it as a part of being human
c. We all have weaknesses, flaws and challenges
d. You aren’t the only one that feels this way. Others do too, in similar ways
e. Try this: Are you spiraling down into its only you? Talk to someone. Reach out for help.
3. Mindfulness
a. A balance of allowing our feelings, without judgment nor suppression of feelings
b. Looking at our feelings and allowing them to be – just noticing
c. Being open to our feelings while not going into self-criticism or avoidance
d. Try this: Mindfulness moment, meditation, or journaling. Notice what you’re feeling without judgement.
What new awareness or insights do you have?
Here’s to you and growing your self-compassion. Want to learn more or discuss? Let’s connect.
If you or someone you know would like support in life or business with self-compassion or resiliency, please reach out and contact me. I provide a safe place to explore life and business. I love when my clients share their wins and seeing them embrace their lives while living boldly!
Teresa – Working on self-compassion. It’s a work in progress.
Teresa Q. Bitner, M.Ed., PMP, ACC - Resiliency, Change and Loss Coach
Partnering with those who have been knocked down my life and want to build resiliency and move forward and live a bold life.
[email protected]
www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com
Author of:
• Soul Love: How A Dog Taught Me to Breathe Again
• The First Days Widow Journey
• Explorations into the Being and Doing of Coaching: A collection of voices, insights and wisdom from Austin area coaches
SourcesNeff, Dr. Kristin. “What is Self Compassion". https://self-compassion.org/the-three-elements-of-self-compassion-2/ Accessed: Apri 7, 2022.
More, Catherine, "How to Practice Self-Compassion: 8 Techniques and Tips" https://positivepsychology.com/how-to-practice-self-compassion/ Accessed April 7, 2022
Abrams, Allison. “How to Cultivate More Self-Compassion.” Psychology Today, 3 May 2017, www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/nurturing-self-compassion/201703/how-cultivate-more-self-compassion. Accessed: 26 March 2021
Harvard Health Publishing. “4 Ways to Boost Your Self-Compassion.” Harvard Health, 12 Feb. 2021, www.health.harvard.edu/mental-health/4-ways-to-boost-your-self-compassion. Accessed: April 7, 2022