Embrace selfcompassion as a way of life from "summary" of The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion by Christopher K. Germer
Self-compassion is more than just a concept to be studied or a skill to be learned. It is a way of life, a way of relating to oneself in a kind and understanding manner. It is about treating ourselves with the same warmth and care that we would offer to a good friend in times of need. Embracing self-compassion as a way of life means cultivating a sense of mindfulness towards our own thoughts and feelings. It involves being aware of our inner experiences without judging them or trying to suppress them. Instead of getting caught up in self-criticism or self-pity, we can simply acknowledge our struggles with a sense of kindness and understanding. When we embrace self-compassion as a way of life, we also learn to treat ourselves with the same level of care and compassion that we would extend to others. This means being gentle with ourselves when we make mistakes, rather than berating ourselves harshly. It means recognizing our own worth and inherent value, just as we would recognize the worth and value of those we care about. Furthermore, self-compassion as a way of life involves practicing self-kindness in moments of pain or difficulty. Instead of harshly judging ourselves for our shortcomings, we can offer ourselves words of comfort and support. We can remind ourselves that it is okay to struggle, that imperfection is a part of being human, and that we are deserving of love and acceptance just as we are.- Embracing self-compassion as a way of life is about changing the way we relate to ourselves on a fundamental level. It is about choosing to be kind to ourselves, even when it feels difficult or uncomfortable. It is about recognizing our own humanity and fragility, and treating ourselves with the same level of care and compassion that we would offer to others. Ultimately, self-compassion is not just a practice, but a way of being in the world—a way of living with greater kindness, understanding, and acceptance towards ourselves.
