Compassion for Our Parts
The term “self-compassion” suggests that we give compassion to a “self” that is a single entity. In fact, the term should probably be “selves-compassion” (if Webster’s dictionary would allow it), because we have different parts of ourselves that suffer in unique ways.
Balance in Relationships
Self-compassion involves being caring and supportive toward ourselves, so that we give ourselves what we truly need to be happy. But that leaves the question – what about our relationship partners? Don’t we also want them to be caring, supportive, and meet our needs?
The Power of Self-Appreciation
Think about what happens when you get some sort of written evaluation and there are nine positive comments and one negative one. Which do you focus on? As Rick Hanson likes to say, the mind is like Teflon for positive information and Velcro for negative information.
Empathic Distress
Self-compassion plays a crucial role for caregivers. Whether you’re a parent, caring for your elderly parents, or are a professional like a nurse, doctor, social worker, or therapist, you need to turn compassion inward in order to sustain turning it outward.
Opening to Generational Pain
Generational pain is everywhere, and when we start to open our hearts through self-compassion practice we will likely run into it. Pain stemming not only from our connections to those who were hurt and oppressed in the past but also to those who hurt and oppressed others.
