KINDNESS TOWARDS SELF-COMPASSION | MindsetOpediaDMHC Blogs

Kindness by definition is the quality of being generous, friendly, and considerate. Kindness towards self is also known as compassion, and being kind-hearted is a great thing to hear about ourselves when someone is describing us.

Let's take a moment and understand that if kindness is so easy to grasp as a concept, why are we lacking it in our day-to-day lifestyle? Why is it that we easily forget to be kind and also sometimes deny compassion to ourselves? Kindness is inculcated in us from a very young age. We are expected to be kind to our peers, teachers, friends, siblings, and even strangers on the road but where do we learn kindness towards ourselves? Where can we learn to draw our boundaries, practice assertiveness, let go of things which don't serve us anymore, learn how to say NO to that toxic relationship, and move on?

Many people struggle with being kind to themselves as they are unaware of the concept of compassion, many might think that if they are not always kind to others they are being rude. They deny themselves kindness to fill a societal expectation. Do we have to let our mental health deteriorate because one family member will feel bad if we didn't visit him or her for a festival? Is it worth it to call a friend who always speaks about negative things and invalidates our experiences? These are difficult questions and sometimes you feel obliged to do all these acts so that you are not called a “bad” or “rude” person.

It takes a little practice to include some compassionate phrases in your day-to-day vocabulary. You can start small by using these sentences as a guide

• ‘This is a difficult moment and it shall pass’

• ‘I’m deserving of help and direction’

• ‘It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes

• 'I am going to be kind to myself at this moment

• ‘I’m going to be compassionate………..’

• ‘I am going to try again’

• ‘I am worthy of……’

You may find it difficult at first, and it might feel like going against your true self, but trust the process and take one step at a time. Eventually, you will reach your destination and feel the happiness coming from within.

If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete -BUDDHA

By,

Devyani Singha

Vice President

Wicci-DMHC