Self-Compassion

In the last while, have you been judging yourself for engaging with too much news and social media? For not doing enough to stand up to those in power who seem to be dismantling our world as we know it? For giving into fear? For not being optimistic, hopeful? Self-judgements come easily in this challenging time. It’s important that we recognize that we are only human and can only cope with so much.

And let’s not forget that social media and news-watching are addictive. Computer algorithms invite and encourage our attention to the posts that bring on outrage and fear.

So why are we upset with ourselves for not living as well and healthily as we desire in this unprecedented time? It’s important that we cultivate a spirit of gentleness towards ourselves. To accept our limited human capacities and tendencies. And to be compassionate towards ourselves when we stumble.

Self-compassion doesn’t always come easily. Many of us have been taught that we're selfish if we care for and love ourselves. Joyce Rupp, author and founder of the Boundless Compassion Program invites us into recognizing our own motivations as we learn to be more self compassionate. She acknowledges that it's important to clarify if we're being self indulgent or self compassionate, [1].

Joyce suggests that we ask ourselves “Will this be helpful or harmful to my body, mind or spirit, or my personal or societal relationships?," [2]. This question has been a useful tool for me as I consider how to best care for myself. To learn how to be more self-compassionate.

Today’s spiritual practice invitation is to prayerfully listen to the song How Could Anyone by Libby Roderick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXXIiNmDzH4 You might deepen your experience by spending time in silence and journalling after listening.

Amen xxoo