Hi SisterQueen,Helen

How are you doing? I am recovering from hosting a family of six. It was both fun and exhausting, and what kept me sane was my daily self-care routine, which included: tapping in the morning, tapping before bed, and reading. The other thing that kept me going is radical self-compassion.

I gave myself a lot of self-compassionate breaks. When I had negative thoughts triggered by stress and fatigue, I didn't make them mean I am a bad hostess, aunt, sister-in-law, or sister. I felt like I had my own back.

Self-compassion involves treating oneself with the same kindness, concern, and support one would show to a good friend. Kristin Neff, the leading expert on self-compassion, says self-compassion consists of three main components:

  • Self-Kindness vs. Self-Judgment: Being warm and understanding toward oneself rather than harshly self-critical. It involves being gentle and understanding with oneself rather than harshly critical. It means actively comforting and caring for oneself during times of struggle.
  • Common Humanity vs. Isolation: Recognizing that suffering and personal inadequacy are part of the shared human experience rather than feeling isolated and alienated by one's imperfections.
  • Mindfulness vs. Over-Identification: Holding one's painful thoughts and feelings in balanced awareness rather than over-identifying with them.

Key Practices for Cultivating Self-Compassion

  • Self-Compassion Break: Take a moment to acknowledge your suffering, remind yourself that suffering is part of being human, and offer yourself kindness and understanding.
  • Loving-Kindness Meditation: Practice extending feelings of love and compassion to oneself, loved ones, and eventually all beings.
  • Journaling: Write about a difficult experience, focusing on self-kindness, recognizing common humanity, and being mindful of emotions without judgment.
  • Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to counteract negative self-talk and remind yourself of your intrinsic worth and capacity for self-compassion.
  • Mindful Breathing: Practice mindful breathing exercises to center yourself and cultivate a non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts and feelings.

Here is a tapping video to cultivate self-compassion.

https://youtu.be/e_w7x6wulAo

 

Some Journaling Prompts

  • Write about a recent experience where you were critical of yourself. How might you respond to a close friend who was going through the same situation?
  • Think of a time when you felt isolated in your struggles. How can recognizing that others share similar experiences help you feel more connected?
  • Reflect on a difficult emotion you experienced recently. How can you hold this emotion in balanced awareness without judgment?

Hit reply; I'd love to hear what resonated with you about this topic.

Be Magnificent, SisterQueen!

xoxo,
Dr. Helena, The Queen Maker!

Connect with me:

Website: https://helenorombi.coachesconsole.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelenAcenOrombi
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/438863857581998
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomingawomanofimpact

YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC90SecxWK8rfF7slSo_27xA