We have to engage in perspective taking when we give ourselves compassion. Rather than merely focusing on our own point of view in painful situations- I feel humiliated, afraid, inadequate, and so on- we take the perspective of an “other” toward ourselves. We respond with kindness and concern to our own human limitations, just as a kind friend or loving parent would. By seeing our flawed self from an outsider’s perspective, self-compassion allows us to stop judging ourselves so harshly.

Our research shows that self-compassion allows us to feel others’ pain without becoming overwhelmed by it. In other words, when we recognize how difficult it is sometimes to be there for people who are struggling, and comfort ourselves in the process, we are able to be stronger, more stable, and resilient when supporting others in their suffering.

In many ways, self-compassion is an altruistic act, because it puts us into the optimal mental and emotional mind-set to help others in a sustainable, long-lasting way.

~Kristin Neff

it is time…..it is time to to acknowledge how gratitude is the foundation of all of your gifts…..it is time….it is time to acknowledge self as the ground of being….

inquiry for today~   being ok with your messes makes you more real and more attainable- more alive…..

trust your goodness

In gratitude, you have watered
Seeds of love in me
In gratitude.
In gratitude, I will water
Seeds of love in someone too.
I know you’re there for me
And I am so happy.
And when you suffer some
Please call and I will come.
In gratitude, you have watered
Seeds of love in me
In gratitude.
In gratitude, I will water
Seeds of love in someone too.

~Thich Naht Hanh