The Tip of the Iceberg: Getting Started with Self-Compassion
Posted on Wednesday, February 13th, 2019
Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to show you care for that special someone – yourself! Loving yourself goes hand-in-hand with self-compassion – the practice of turning inward, accepting yourself, and honouring who and where you are in this moment.
Self-compassion means understanding that you are good enough as you are, not just because you have a particular trait or possession. It means treating yourself with kindness, particularly your mistakes or what you consider shortcomings.
Self-compassion starts with mindfulness – being aware of when you are stressed or struggling with judgmental thoughts. If you are going through a tough time, practice self-kindness by being understanding towards yourself, as opposed to being overly critical. And remember, everyone makes mistakes or has trouble at times – and that’s okay. Remembering that you are not alone increases your sense of connectedness.
Self-compassion is a way to shift your focus from what’s “wrong” and instead recognize and cultivate your strengths. Research has shown that people who practice self-compassion report higher levels of happiness, lower stress, and a greater ability to bounce back after stressful situations.
Ready to get started? Here are a few resources to help you practice self-compassion this month:
- Self-Help Tools – This list of apps and websites can help you practice mindfulness, challenge negative thoughts, and more.
- Just As I Am: The Practice of Self-Care and Self-Compassion – A guided PDF journal you and print and fill out.
- Group Counselling (Ottawa Campus) – Get connected and learn all about self-care at our weekly Thrive Group, Wellness Sessions, and more.
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