Self Compassion

This week hasn't been easy for me. I've been battling a pesky virus, which makes even the smallest tasks challenging. I feel a bit guilty about missing work and letting people down.

I tend to be pretty hard on myself. I always strive to be the best version of myself, so when I fall short, I feel disappointed. However, when I see someone struggling or feeling unwell, I’m quick to offer them kindness and understanding. It’s amusing how we can be so much kinder to others than to ourselves.

Self-compassion can be a tricky subject. If we indulge in it too much, we risk becoming self-absorbed. Nevertheless, most people find it difficult to grant themselves even a small amount of compassion.

At its core, self-compassion is about mindfully treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we would extend to a friend facing difficulties. It means being gentle and supportive rather than harsh or overly critical when we make mistakes or feel inadequate. Research shows that practicing self-compassion can be a game-changer for our mental and physical well-being, helping us cope with and bounce back from challenges more effectively.

Taking time to care for ourselves, allowing our bodies to heal, and simply being gentle with ourselves are all essential aspects of self-compassion.

It's January, and we all experience a bit of burnout from Christmas. The weather is a little harsher, the days are still too short, and yes, many viruses are circulating. We all need a bit of self-compassion!

So, let’s be kind to ourselves as we navigate the times when life seems a bit more complicated.


Blessings,

Rev. Kim

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