Self-compassion refers to treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance in moments of difficulty, rather than being self-critical or judgmental. It involves recognizing and accepting one’s own imperfections, mistakes, and limitations, and responding to them with care and concern, rather than harsh self-criticism or self-judgment.
Self-compassion involves three key components:
1. Self-kindness: This involves treating oneself with warmth, understanding, and care, like one would treat a good friend or loved one.
2. Common humanity: This involves recognizing that everyone makes mistakes, experiences suffering, and faces challenges in life. Rather than feeling isolated and alone in one’s struggles, self-compassion involves recognizing that one’s experiences are a part of the human experience.
3. Mindfulness: This involves being aware of one’s thoughts and emotions without getting lost in them or identifying with them. Mindfulness helps to create a sense of spaciousness and perspective that can help to reduce feelings of self-blame, shame, and judgment.
Overall, self-compassion is a way of relating to oneself that is supportive, caring, and non-judgmental, which can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and promote greater well-being and resilience.
