I have a long record of deeply entrenched self-judgment, self-hatred, or self-loathing, self-compassion might in the beginning trigger anxiety. It is a revolutionary way of relating to myself. My mind is skeptical: “This is uncomfortable. I have not thought this way before. What is this?” You may not notice those thoughts-you might think it’s like the static at the end of a broadcast day on your television but that is what is going on in our minds.
During the past week, I have been suffering from a sinus infection. Like most of you, I have little tolerance for illness. In previous episodes of a similar illness, I fell into self-judgment and my dialogue was quite harsh about my sickness: “I needed to distance myself from people who had a similar condition, I know better how to take care of myself during the flue season, I got the flue shot how did I get sick?”
Using self-compassion I have commented to myself; “This is only temporary, be kind and gentle to myself, take a nap when I am tired, Refrain from a regular exercise routine to conserve my energy to heal, and go to bed earlier.
I notice some anxious feelings arise when I practice self-compassion. I know that when I practice this regularly, anxiety will decrease, but in the early stages it will be there. Remember to allow our feelings to be present, without a struggle, while also being kind and supportive of ourselves. When challenging thoughts and feelings retreat that’s a bonus, not the main aim.
Peace
Larry
email: ljw@superhumanbeing.net
website: https://superhumanbeing.net/