_edited.png)
Understanding where our desires and feelings came from and how they work can be helpful as we embark on the road to compassion. In other words, as I’ve mentioned before, awareness is key to truly transform ourselves.
We have evolved to have the ability to ignite, amplify and even fantasize about feelings, yearnings and lusts. This ability of thinking and fantasizing also means that our fears can be taken to the extreme. As humans we search for individuality but also a sense of connection. All these (and more) represents a challenge for our journey of becoming more compassionate with ourselves and others.
The pillars of self-compassion are: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness (remember this for later).
But why compassion?
Compassion is a way to train our brains affecting the connections inside it. Compassion is not just about ‘I’m nice to myself and others’. By training your mind with a compassionate approach you will stimulate feelings of safeness, acceptance, peacefulness and contentment.
But compassion requires courage. Manifesting the benefits of compassion requires commitment. And it’s not easy I’m not going to lie to you. BUT courage, confidence and that self-belief is easier to activate with compassion as your ally.
So… Here is an exercise that I want to encourage you to try 2 things: compassionate journaling.
For the compassionate journaling, besides the classic paper, pen you will need to do the following:
*Focus your thoughts and feelings to be supportive and caring towards yourself (put that inner critic to aside for this experience) and before you start to actually write make sure you will not be disturbed for the next 5-20 min.
*Remember the pillars for self-compassion
*Remember that at the beginning it might be a little more difficult to reconnect with your compassionate self right away, I promise that the more you do this the easier it will be to activate it.
*At the beginning of your journaling allow yourself to have understanding and acceptance for your situation even if you feel distressed. In this journal try to talk to yourself. And if you are wondering how to start the letter you could try “Your distress is understandable because…” or It’s sad that I'm feeling distressed today but this is understandable because…”
[It’s not confirmed by any identity whether is more helpful to write from a first-person perspective “I” or a second person perspective “you”. Choose the one that feels the best for you.]
And let your words flow.
During this compassionate journaling exercise is key to validate your feelings by writing down what you have noticed as reasons for your distress/emotions. Through this process, you might step to one side of your emotions and focus on how best to cope.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong. This exercise is only for you and your journey. Be honest, take your time and let go of any external pressure. This is a process of trying to think in a different way.
If you found this blog helpful and are ready to start your journey towards a more compassionate self but feel like you might need a little bit of help, book a clarity call with me to explore how I can help you ignite your self-belief and self-compassion.