Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

47,612Members
1,358,869Posts
1,400,000Visitors

Self-compassion

CheerBearSenior Contributor26 Sept 2018, 10:41 am AEST

Self-compassion

Hi everyone

I've been reading and looking at quite a lot of information and resources on self-compassion. There are some awesome ideas out there but I'm finding it difficult to turn them into something I can put into practice and do/be more of.

While this seems like a great idea

I find it can be tricky to do sometimes and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be alone with feeling it.

So I'm curious to hear others' thoughts on self-compassion and how we can be more compassionate to ourselves.

What does self-compassion mean to you and how do you go about being compassionate to yourself?

Do you find self-compassion difficult/uncomfortable or is it something that comes more easily or naturally to you?

Do you actively/intentionally practice self-compassion and if so, how?

Thanks in advance to anyone who shares their thoughts 🙂

(Going to tag some people here but there's no pressure to reply and anyone is welcome to join in - @frog, @Owlunar, @Sophia1, @Former-Member, @outlander, @Snowie, @Sans911, @Adge, @Mazarita, @eth, @Teej, @Maggie, @MDT, @Zoe7, @BlueBay, @Shaz51, @Bunniekins, @Exoplanet, @TheVorticon, @eudemonism, @Appleblossom, @Queenie and all)

67 replies

21 - 30 of 67

1 2 3 4...7

In response to: Self-compassion

OwlunarSenior Contributor27 Oct 2018, 8:14 am AEDT

Re: Self-compassion

SELF-COMPASSION

@frog@CheerBear@MDT@Shaz51@Appleblossom

I agree - would we hold back compassion for a person who was vulnerable, tearful, distressed or whatever right there with us at that time in their lives when the sky has fallen in some way?

We have all be hurt ourselves and know how lonely that can be - how lonely that is - so we need to be there for ourselves and be caring and compassionate for ourselves

After all - we might be the only person we can count on - I have found that to be true often - so turning love on for ourselves as if there were a secret magic switch inside us to do so - to care for ourselves in whatever way is good for us.

Maybe it's as simple as allowing ourselves to grieve our loss - large or small - in the moment - and to ground ourselves in our present - to tell ourselves this is a storm and will pass and to hold on to our own life-line until it passes

Self-compassion - empathy for our own inner being, our inner child - it's perhaps hard to understand but we are the only person who truly knows our story

Dec

In response to: Re: Self-compassion

AppleblossomSenior Contributor28 Oct 2018, 4:04 pm AEDT

Re: Self-compassion

@Shaz51 Great post. Your lovely guiding presence has def enhanced these forums. Thank you.

@Owlunar my lovely owl with Broad shoulders ... lol .

@MDT Yes, and we need the input of people of different ages, colours, backgrounds and sexualities to grow as a community.

In response to: Re: Self-compassion

frogSenior Contributor22 Dec 2018, 12:17 pm AEDT

Re: Self-compassion

Hi @CheerBear @Appleblossom @Owlunar @Shaz51

I have been reading about self compassion in grief.

In response to: Re: Self-compassion

Shaz51Senior Contributor22 Dec 2018, 1:38 pm AEDT

Re: Self-compassion

good afternoon @frog, @CheerBear, @Appleblossom, @Owlunar, @MDT

hope you are doing something nice for you today

sending you all hugs from me , now to find someone who will give me a hug

In response to: Re: Self-compassion

frogSenior Contributor22 Dec 2018, 2:45 pm AEDT

Re: Self-compassion

Thanks @Shaz51 Here you go

In response to: Re: Self-compassion

Shaz51Senior Contributor22 Dec 2018, 2:46 pm AEDT

Re: Self-compassion

thank you @frog

In response to: Re: Self-compassion

CheerBearSenior Contributor23 Dec 2018, 5:45 am AEDT

Re: Self-compassion

Hi @frog 🙂 Great to hear that it sounds like you're trying to be kind to yourself while you're experiencing your grief. How do you find it (if you feel like sharing)?

I find I often try and shove my grief (and other big feelings) down deep inside instead of allowing myself to feel and experience it, which is probably not 'self-compassion'. I worry that I will become stuck in intense emotions if I do allow them to surface even though thinking brain knows that things pass.

I like the idea of the ebb and flowing of emotions when we allow them. Acknowledging they are there, sitting with them, and allowing them to happen seems like a much more compassionate way of being with ourselves.

Big hugs frog and sitting with you in your grief ❤

@Shaz51 - big hugs for you also and hoping theres something nice for you in today ❤

In response to: Re: Self-compassion

frogSenior Contributor23 Dec 2018, 9:33 am AEDT

Re: Self-compassion

Hi @CheerBear I am finding the self compassion quest in terms of losing my lovely old dog is going quite well. I haven't done self compassion very well in the past, but in this instance I am dealing with pure (ie uncomplicated) grief. There are no tangled emotions, or negative history. Hello @Shaz51 @Appleblossom @Owlunar @MDT How are you today? Hope all's well.

In response to: Re: Self-compassion

AppleblossomSenior Contributor23 Dec 2018, 11:18 am AEDT

Re: Self-compassion

Grief is difficult, nevertheless, but I can see that "purity" of the relationship can also be a wonderful thing.

Take Care @frog

In response to: Re: Self-compassion

MDTSenior Contributor23 Dec 2018, 12:05 pm AEDT

Re: Self-compassion

Hey @frog
How's it going?
I'm off to Melbourne today. Might be back on tonight

21 - 30 of 67

1 2 3 4...7