Enjoy the Buffet

Enjoy the Buffet

Research into self-compassion has proliferated over the past 15 years, revealing fabulous benefits of being able to bring kind, mindful awareness to ourselves. It turns out that when we are able to be self-compassionate, we have increased happiness, more motivation, healthier relationships, improved physical health, lower anxiety/depression, and increased resilience. In other words, lots of ‘good’ stuff.

So how do we step into this buffet of self-compassion deliciousness?

Take a moment right here, right now, and let yourself feel something you strongly desire. Feel what your longing feels like and let it actually matter. Then, think about the who, what, where, why, when and how of this desire. As you visualize all the ways reality could potentially throw curveballs and delays and brick walls in front of you, notice how unrest stirs. Go ahead and feel it.

Now, wherever there is tension in your body, welcome it. Greet it with a warm hello and sit in curiosity about the sensation. Don’t try to fix or change it, simply feel it without judgement. Now, be aware, you may feel a rise of emotion such as anger. Welcome that, as well. Explore it. Ride it out like you are body surfing. Be patient, go slow. Even slower than you think you need to go.

From there, you most likely will find yourself in a quiet place, a place of surrender. Rest there. Feel how you matter, here and now.

Recognize yourself as a vulnerable human who is worth loving, even when you don’t feel good, even when you cannot bend reality to your will. Tap into the power of self-compassion.