Mindful self-compassion is kind of like giving yourself a mental hug when you need it most, but there is a bit more to it than that. MSC is about noticing how you're feeling, without beating yourself up about it, and then offering yourself some kindness, just as you would to a friend who's having a tough time
Defining Mindful Self-Compassion
Mindfulness
Mindfulness, in simple terms, is about being fully present in the moment. It is the practice of paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment with openness and curiosity. Mindfulness involves accepting our thoughts and feelings without judging them. It teaches us to be observant and present, whether we are eating, walking, or breathing. It is about noticing the details of our daily lives and not letting life pass us by in a blur.
Self-compassion
Self-compassion, on the other hand, is treating oneself with the same kindness, concern, and support one would show to a good friend. When faced with difficult life situations or when we notice something we do not like about ourselves, instead of harshly judging and criticising ourselves, self-compassion means we are kind and understanding toward ourselves.
Mindful self-compassion
Mindful self-compassion combines these two practices. It involves being aware in the present moment when we are experiencing moments of failure, inadequacy, or suffering and responding to these experiences with kindness and understanding. MSC teaches us to pause, to notice our own suffering, and to respond with compassion. It is an empowering way of learning to treat ourselves with the same gentleness, concern, and understanding that we would offer to someone we care about deeply. Learn more about our approach to mindful self-compassion on our "Our Why" page.
Why Bother with Mindful self-compassion?
You might wonder why Mindful self-compassion is even a thing. Well, research is showing that being kind to ourselves can have a huge impact on our mental health. It can help us deal with stress, anxiety, and depression more effectively. Think about it: if you are constantly your own worst critic, always on your case, how exhausting is that? Switching from self-criticism to self-compassion can be like lifting a weight off your shoulders.
And here's the best part. Being kind to yourself can actually help you reach your goals faster. It is not about letting yourself off the hook or making excuses. It is about treating yourself with the same encouragement and support you'd give a friend, which, in turn, makes you more resilient and motivated. Explore our Breathwork, Meditation & Retreats to enhance this practice.
How to Practise Mindful self-compassion
Practising Mindful self-compassion does not have to be complicated. It can be as simple as taking a moment to breathe when you are stressed and reminding yourself, ?This is tough, but I've got my own back.? Here are a couple of ways to start incorporating MSC into your daily routine:
- Check-in with Yourself: Several times a day, pause for a moment. How are you feeling? If you notice you are stressed or upset, acknowledge those feelings. It is like saying, ?Hey, I see you are having a hard time. That is okay.?
- The Kindness Principle: Find a phrase that feels comforting and repeat it to yourself in tough times. Something like, ?May I be kind to myself at this moment,? can work wonders.
- Journaling: Sometimes, writing down what you are going through and how you are speaking to yourself about it can be eye-opening. Then, try writing some kind words to yourself. It might feel weird at first, but it is surprisingly powerful.
Mindful self-compassion in the Real World
Incorporating Mindful self-compassion into your life does not mean you will never feel stressed or upset again. But it does mean you will have a kinder, more supportive way to deal with those feelings when they arise. It is about giving yourself permission to be human and treating yourself with the same kindness you would offer someone else. Discover our Online Programs for more guided self-compassion techniques.
The beauty of Mindful self-compassion is that it is accessible to everyone. It does not cost anything, and you do not need any special equipment. All it takes is a willingness to turn inward and offer yourself some kindness and understanding.
Wrapping Up
Mindful self-compassion is more than just a trendy concept. It is a practical way to improve your relationship with yourself and, by extension, your overall well-being. Like any skill, it takes practice, but the benefits are well worth the effort. So next time you are having a rough day, remember to offer yourself a little mental hug. It might just make all the difference. Remember, being kind to yourself is not a luxury. It is a necessity. And in a world that often demands so much from us, it is one of the most powerful tools we have to cope with life's ups and downs. If you have any questions or wish to reach out for support, do not hesitate to contact us.
FAQs
What are the 3 pillars of mindful self-compassion?
The three pillars of mindful self-compassion are self-kindness (offering kindness and understanding to ourselves instead of harsh judgement), common humanity (recognizing that suffering and personal failure are part of the shared human experience), and mindfulness (holding our experience in balanced awareness, rather than ignoring our pain or exaggerating it).
What are the 4 C's of compassion?
The 4 C's of compassion are: caring (showing kindness and concern for others), connection (feeling a sense of belonging and understanding with others), courage (being willing to act on behalf of others in the face of personal suffering or adversity), and competence (having the skills to effectively respond to suffering).
What is compassion mindfulness?
Compassion mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware in the moment, combined with a compassionate attitude towards oneself and others. It involves noticing suffering without judgement and responding with kindness and understanding.
What is the mindful path to self-compassion quote?
A quote that captures the essence of the mindful path to self-compassion is by Christopher Germer: ?Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others.?
What are 3 quotes of compassion?
- ?Compassion is the radicalism of our time.? - Dalai Lama
- ?If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.? - Dalai Lama
- ?The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive.? - John Green