Friday, January 14, 2011

self-compassion


A moment of self-compassion can change the course of your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life.

Christopher K. Germer

I'm reading Awakening Joy: 10 Steps That Will Put You on the Road to Real Happiness. The suggestions in this book are in line with current brain research--that it is not just what we think that matters (although it does), but what are the sensations we experience with those thoughts.

The sensations that go along with compassion--such as a warm and expansive heart--make a difference. Especially when offered to oneself.

4 comments:

Carrie Wilson Link said...

Why is it so hard for us to remember this? Yesterday I was exhausted and kept pushing myself until I was actually in pain. Then I finally got in bed with a heating pad and started watching bad TV and instantly felt like a new woman.

Deb Shucka said...

Even knowing the quality of our compassion for others is diminished if we don't start with ourselves doesn't seem to make it any easier to be consistent about.

Great pic - you seem to be on photographic roll right now.

kario said...

It is so powerful to remember that we reside in these bodies and we need to honor their messages, too. I have been spending a lot of time trying to help my kids think about what it feels like to be angry or frustrated or confused so that they can change their behavior and thoughts based on the recognition. Thanks for the reminder to do it myself!

graceonline said...

Would you be willing to share a little with us how this has proved true for you? I find anecdotes so helpful in understanding, don't you? Would love to learn more about the book and your experience with it as you go along, if it's not too late.