We carry with us great
potential to rise up and respond; to help and to reach out in the most creative
and caring ways. We have innately evolved to connect with others and nurture
community, and life in recent years has given us every opportunity to put that
care into practice.
To sustain ourselves, we
must also acknowledge that most precious and powerful inner space that carries
us forward each day. Our serenity is built on a steady return to the act of
replenishment, and our cups are definitely due a hearty refill.
Attention to our precious
selves must become our highest priority, as we’ve come to understand the highly
negative effects of prolonged stress on our minds and bodies. It’s all too
common to extend care and compassion to others while neglecting ourselves, as
though we are undeserving of the same love and attention.
Self-compassion researcher
and leading expert, Kristin Neff, Ph.D., describes self-compassion as “relating
to ourselves kindly, embracing ourselves as we are, flaws and all.” She
encourages us to “treat ourselves as we would a good friend, with
encouragement, understanding, empathy, patience, gentleness,” and suggests that
we see our humanity as imperfect and connected to all others, rather than
separated by comparison. Neff encourages practicing mindfulness, which teaches
us to be present with “what is” and allows us to notice the messages that we
are sending to ourselves about our worth.
In “The Heart/Mind
Connection,” our feature article by Ronica O’Hara, Dr. Cynthia Thaik, natural
cardiologist and functional medicine practitioner confirms how mindfulness can
offer “the ability to let go—of judgement, doubt, anger, resentment, fear, all
our negative thoughts, emotions and feelings—[which] is crucial to our healing
process.” Showing ourselves acceptance of what and who we are—completely––with
the same support, care, kindness and empathy that we extend to others, affirms
that we are worthy of well-being, having our needs met, good health, happiness,
inner peace and balance.
When we practice
mindfulness and self-compassion, we reduce anxiety and depression, recover more
easily from stress and are more likely to engage in activities that give us joy
and fill our cups. We are better able to set healthy boundaries, say, “No” when
we need to and choose to add in practices that contribute to a sense of
well-being, such as taking time to journal, meditate, spend time with friends
or our pets, be creative, take walks or hikes and engage in other pleasurable
activities.
Self-compassion invites us
into a larger experience of unconditional love, and in that space we can more
genuinely connect with ourselves and others. Join us in celebrating a season of
love for all beings.
Kendra & Jacqueline
