Embrace the profound concept of self-compassion in this thought-provoking blog post. Reflect on your emotions and thoughts as you delve into the significance of nurturing kindness towards oneself.

Last week, I came across an inspiring video by Mike Robbins, a distinguished American author and speaker, where he explored the essence of self-empathy. Robbins highlighted the deficiency many face in this regard, emphasizing that unlocking this quality within can set the stage for life to unfold harmoniously, aligning with a greater purpose. Witness the transformative effects as you integrate this compassionate perspective into your journey, following the course of your life’s unfolding “Master Plan.”

Compassion, an inherent quality within us all, prompts a desire to assist and guide others in times of need. You’ve likely experienced this inclination numerous times, perhaps sensing it in situations where the urge arose but went unexpressed. Occasionally, despite harboring this compassionate inclination, we hesitate to take tangible actions, uncertain about the impact on our ego’s well-being and the stability of our comfort zone, fearing potential reactions from others.

Discover the realm of self-compassion as you reflect on past situations, recognizing the inherent compassion within you. However, delve deeper; is there any empathy directed towards yourself? If your response tends towards the negative, you’re not alone; many share this absence of self-kindness. While extending empathy to others comes naturally, the art of self-compassion often eludes us. Is it because self-compassion is a skill, and most of us have yet to master it? Coupled with the revelation that 80% of our daily thoughts tend towards negativity, finding room for positivity and self-kindness becomes a challenge.

Self-compassion plays a crucial role in supporting better health, particularly when examining its impact on our response to stress. To comprehend this, it’s essential to explore how our bodies react during periods of stress. In the contemporary environment, characterized by numerous stressors, our bodies often adapt, and the effects may not be immediately apparent. Unlike the primal response of needing to flee from a wild animal, today’s stressors are more nuanced. However, the innate fight and flight mechanism is still deeply embedded in our nervous system, specifically within the amygdala and hippocampus. Understanding the connection between self-compassion and our physiological reactions to stress allows us to cultivate a healthier approach to overall well-being.

Self-compassion is crucial, especially when considering the impact of being excessively strict with ourselves. Engaging in self-criticism activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the “fight and flight response.” This, in turn, elevates heart rate, boosts blood sugar, increases cortisol levels (the stress hormone), heightens muscle tension, and hinders the functioning of the immune and digestive systems. The body reacts as if preparing to confront or escape a threat, directing blood flow to the muscles. It’s important to recognize that by lacking self-compassion and perpetuating untrue narratives, we unintentionally subject our bodies to these stress-inducing responses.

What occurs when we consistently harbor negative thoughts about ourselves? We inadvertently trigger an overstimulation of the fight and flight response, leading to potential detrimental issues, including immune problems, digestive issues, insomnia, and memory and cognitive problems due to the loss of neurotransmitters and more. However, embracing self-compassion can bring about positive changes. A study conducted by Shapira & Mongrain in 2010 explored self-compassion and optimism in individuals, revealing that those who practiced self-compassion experienced heightened happiness and a significant reduction in depression within just a few months, all without the use of medications.

Upon delving into the literature on self-compassion, I was taken aback by the abundance of studies dedicated to this topic. It’s remarkable that a significant majority of these studies indicate a positive correlation between self-compassion and navigating challenging life situations. Whether facing divorce, chronic pain, child maltreatment, exam failures, or various other adversities, individuals practicing self-compassion consistently exhibit an enhanced ability to pass through these difficulties. Remarkably, the application of self-compassion not only aids in overcoming discomfort but also contributes to an overall increase in well-being.

Now, you may be contemplating whether you desire to cultivate more self-compassion within yourself. It’s essential to recognize that even unspoken words wield significant power, capable of eliciting various emotional responses that can deplete your energy. A pivotal aspect to address in this journey is the language employed when dealing with yourself, particularly in moments of mistakes or when undertaking new challenges.

Allow me to propose a straightforward self-help exercise that you might find beneficial: jot down all the positive actions you’ve taken throughout the day before bedtime. I also encourage you to accompany these reflections with positive emotions linked to those accomplishments. By infusing these moments with positive energy, your body will register them as favorable experiences, fostering the growth of self-compassion within you.

I hope I gave you some refreshing insight and would like to wish you a very positive and self-growth year of 2024!

Yours in Health, Growth and Compassion,

Manel