The three components of self-compassion
When things go wrong, how do we treat ourselves? What comes to your mind?
โPerhaps some self-criticism, being hard on ourselves?
โFeeling isolated or avoiding others for fear of shame?
โIgnoring our own painful feelings and distracting ourselves with entertainment, food, drink?
If, in recalling and reading this, we find weโre feeling a bit down about ourselves, we could place a hand on our heart or give our arm a reassuring rub. We could tell ourselves itโs okay, weโre all hard on ourselves at times. And we could perhaps encourage ourselves with some self-talk like, โMay I be kind to myself in this moment.โ Taking a moment to really feel that warmth and reassurance.
Here, we just practised all three components of self-compassion.