Self-compassion

Self-compassion is treating yourself with kindness and realism in the face of mistakes, suffering, and imperfections.

Definition

Self-compassion means relating to ourselves with kindness, mindfulness, and realism in times of error, suffering, or imperfection. As Kristin Neff describes it, it involves three elements: self-kindness instead of harsh self-criticism, a sense of shared humanity instead of isolation, and mindfulness instead of being flooded with emotion. It is not self-indulgent, but a way to return to responsible action without paralyzing shame.

Key ideas

  1. Życzliwość zamiast samobiczowania
  2. Uznanie, że niedoskonałość jest ludzka
  3. Uważna obecność wobec trudnych emocji

Practice and life

When you stumble, use three sentences: "This is a difficult moment", "I am not alone with this experience", "What would be supportive and responsible for me now?"

Common misunderstanding

It is a mistake to confuse self-compassion with self-indulgence. A common mistake is to use kind language without actually changing behavior.

Questions for self-reflection

  • Jak brzmi mój wewnętrzny głos po błędzie?
  • Co powiedziałbym bliskiej osobie w tej samej sytuacji?
  • Jak połączyć życzliwość dla siebie z odpowiedzialnym działaniem?

Sources