From slavery, to Jim Crow, to the ongoing need for the Black Lives Matter Movement, the world is constantly identifying ways to bring down the black community.
It’s time that we heal our own wounds and that starts with exercising self compassion.
But do we truly know what self compassion is?
Practicing self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance, especially during difficult or challenging times. Here are some ways to exercise self-compassion:
- Be mindful: Notice when you are experiencing difficult emotions or negative self-talk, and try to approach these experiences with curiosity and openness. Avoid judging yourself for having these thoughts or emotions, and instead observe them with compassion and understanding.
- Treat yourself kindly: Just as you would treat a friend or loved one with kindness and understanding, offer the same to yourself. Practice self-care activities such as taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk, or reading a book.
- Practice self-acceptance: Recognize that you are human and that it is natural to experience difficult emotions or make mistakes. Instead of criticizing yourself, practice accepting yourself as you are, flaws and all.
- Challenge negative self-talk: When negative thoughts arise, challenge them with a more positive and compassionate perspective. Ask yourself how you would talk to a friend in a similar situation, and apply that same kindness and understanding to yourself.
- Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support and guidance as you practice self-compassion. This can help you stay accountable, get feedback, and receive encouragement as you develop this skill.
But knowing what self compassion is, is not sufficient if we cannot put self compassion into practice.
ere are some ways to exercise self-compassion:
- Be mindful: Notice when you are experiencing difficult emotions or negative self-talk, and try to approach these experiences with curiosity and openness. Avoid judging yourself for having these thoughts or emotions, and instead observe them with compassion and understanding.
- Treat yourself kindly: Just as you would treat a friend or loved one with kindness and understanding, offer the same to yourself. Practice self-care activities such as taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk, or reading a book.
- Practice self-acceptance: Recognize that you are human and that it is natural to experience difficult emotions or make mistakes. Instead of criticizing yourself, practice accepting yourself as you are, flaws and all.
- Challenge negative self-talk: When negative thoughts arise, challenge them with a more positive and compassionate perspective. Ask yourself how you would talk to a friend in a similar situation, and apply that same kindness and understanding to yourself.
- Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support and guidance as you practice self-compassion. This can help you stay accountable, get feedback, and receive encouragement as you develop this skill.
Remember, self-compassion is a practice that takes time and effort, but it is a valuable tool for improving mental health and well-being. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you work to develop this skill. And if you need help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out.