Acceptance of self and situations equals freedom inside self
What often confines the suffering in life?
It is usually the choice or lack of choice to stay immersed in the identity of the suffering.
Staying immersed in the identity of the suffering often leads to self judgement and other
survival strategies that take away the freedom to exist in what is being experienced.
It develops into a continual pattern of suffering with no escape.
Isolated thinking occurs and the pain is ignored or pushed away. Shame and guilt take over to
mask the continual thoughts that are perpetuating in their own biosphere.
Something that helps release the shame and guilt
An inner giving of freedom starts with self compassion.
Self compassion is a practice of acceptance. Accepting self and acceptance of situations is
essential to let go of the thoughts, “I am the suffering” as opposed to “I am suffering.” Do these
two thoughts seem different in what you might experience?
Self Compassion assists in relieving the intensities of anxiety and depression.
Three elemental constructs of self compassion
These three self compassion foundations help to shift the perspective of suffering.
Self Kindness instead of Self Judgement. This means being warm towards self in the
midst of failure, suffering or inadequacy.
Common Humanity instead of Isolation. The realization and recognition that you are not
the only one going through the experience being encountered. Seeing that all humans
are imperfect or make mistakes.
Mindfulness instead of Over-Identification. Being aware of our thoughts and feelings,
acknowledging them without trying to deny or suppress them. Having receptive
acceptance of them without the judgement or attachment to the negative reactions.
What would an example look like in a moment of simplified self compassion?
Accept and acknowledge the experience, “this is a moment of challenge and it feels
stressful.”
“Challenges are a part of life and I’m not alone in what I’m feeling.”
Say to yourself, “May I be kind to myself, may I forgive myself and give myself the
compassion that I need right now. What do I need, what can I give myself?”
The effects of self compassion in life are the ultimate shift in perspective about self. It
continually cultivates the resilience necessary to move through suffering and setbacks in a way
that acknowledges who you are with love and acceptance. The opportunity to give compassion openly as a reflection of love and acceptance.
Uncovering the freedom to appreciate what is being experienced without the need to resist.
Accepting the true essence of being alive in all it’s vibrancy, including the emotional gifts.
Comforting self through the process in kindness and grace. Connecting to love with harmonious
congruency.