Two of my favorite authors address self-kindness and self-compassion
Brené Brown on Empathy
“Courage gives us a voice and compassion gives us an ear. Without both, there is no opportunity for empathy and connection.”
“If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive.”
“Self-kindness is self-empathy.”
“Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of ‘You’re not alone.’”
— Brené Brown - 25 Popular Brené Brown Quotes on Empathy, Shame and Trust, Doug Cartwright
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Kristen Neff on Self-compassion
“The beauty of self-compassion is that instead of replacing negative feelings with positive ones, new positive emotions are generated by embracing the negative ones. The positive emotions of care and connectedness are felt alongside our painful feelings. When we have compassion for ourselves, sunshine and shadow are both experienced simultaneously. This is important—ensuring that the fuel of resistance isn’t added to the fire of negativity. It also allows us to celebrate the entire range of human experience, so that we can become whole. As Marcel Proust said, “We are healed from suffering only by experiencing it to the full.”
― Kristin Neff, Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind
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It is in the stillness of mindfulness meditation, that we notice feelings (negative and positive), emotions, connectedness, resistance, listening, judgment, non-judgment, curiosity, and the ability to be holding space - for it all.
I wish for you the time this week, to find that stillness which can open our hearts and allow all that is- in this present moment.
Enjoy your week.
With Gratitude,