Self compassion allows you to live a life more connected to yourself and to those you love. And when you have compassion from the inside out, it expands into an ever widening circle.  Research has demonstrated that self compassion helps to decrease anxiety, depression and stress and to increase our coping skills and happiness.

To enhance your self compassion:

1. acknowledge your difficulties, challenges, pain, & suffering. Notice when life is hard for you.
2. know that you are not alone! This is “common humanity.” We all have individual and collective sufferings.
3. treat yourself with kindness, compassion, & tenderness. Treat yourself as you would treat a good friend who is suffering.
4. connect with community
5. practice what soothes, nourishes & strenghtens your mind, body & spirit.

It’s not just about being happy. Sometimes we’re up and sometimes we’re down. Let’s face it. There is suffering in life. We lose our loved ones, relationships end, we are wealthy one day and later we are in dire need. The scenarios are different for all of us.  We all have pain and sorrow in our lives along with the many joys and pleasures. No one’s life is perfect. Feel your sorrows, shed your tears and release the pain.
And know that as Buddha says, there is a path out.

Cultivating a gratitude practice can lead the way out of suffering.
Follow these five steps to cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

1. Be present, stop, find stillness, be aware of yourself and your surroundings.
2. Make it a habit to see with an open heart and mind. Recognize and enjoy small pleasures.
3. Feel this pleasure. Notice where it resides in your body. Stay with it and hold the feeling, the awareness, the sensation.  Hold this experience in body, mind & heart. Let it soothe your soul.
4. Smile back in gratitude. Say thank you. Express your gratitude.
5. Share the gratefulness, pass on a smile, let others know that you appreciate them.  Thank nature for your life and breath.

Namaste,
Susan