2024 February - 829
THE POWER OF SELF COMPASSION
Kind, Calm, Connected, these words are a helpful mantra when we are going through times of stressfulness.
Recently I’ve added a little four-letter word that has changed the power of the mantra.
That little word is “self”.
Self-Kindness, Self-Calm, Self-Connected - practicing these delivers to our 'being-ness': “Self-Compassion”.
Self-compassion involves being warm, kind and understanding toward our-self.
Everyone encounters stress, from those fleeting moments of stress that we may barely notice to the occasional deeply traumatic situations which can have ongoing consequences. These we may not even consider as or recognise as stress. We can completely disregard them with the throwaway line as “that’s life”.
But all stress big or little - and whether emotional, mental or physical, creates a bodily response. There are any number of websites devoted to the physiological and emotional effects of stress.
Types of stress can be seen as:
• Acute stress – short term fleeting moments that if traumatic can have lasting effect.
• Periodic stress – short-term reoccurring stressful situations
• Chronic stress – ongoing long term financial pressure, illness, a fractious relationship, workplace stress…
In chronic stress, another “self” management tool is self-responsibility.
This entails the necessity to let go of blame, to be 'self-responsible', practice self-compassion and make a choice to do things differently.
Self-compassion is being self-responsible.
'Eustress' is the beneficial stress that which has a positive effect on our performance and all our decision making. Such as the stress you may feel when getting ready for a public speech - this stress can put you on your toes and give you a positive edge.
Cultivating Self-Compassion isn’t about avoiding every stressful emotion, it’s as easy as pausing to consciously breathe as you ponder the situation. Whenever you feel you have failed breathe these words, Self-Kindness, Self-Calm, Self-Connected, Self-Compassion and one more breath…Self Responsibility.
Through sorrows and burdens, look for moments of love, joy and peace. Breathe in compassion and with it breathe a soft pastel colour, a sweet fragrance, a gentle sound, a delicate touch of self-compassion.
Until next time…be kind to yourself.
Sylvia Marina
Principal of Heart Leaders Academy