Key 8 – Self-Compassion

What does it look like if we can speak to ourselves as we speak to our friends?  What would it feel like if we were able to calm ourselves by repeating a mantra?  A phrase or blessing I often tell myself is, “May I be deeply and radiantly beautiful.”  The idea of radiating love and beauty both to myself and to others is a calming, empowering, and self-compassionate statement.  Actively loving myself as I would love others is a practice worth developing. 

We cannot change the world by a new plan, project or idea. We cannot even change other people by our convictions, stories, advice and proposals, but we can offer a space where people are encouraged to disarm themselves, lay aside their occupations and preoccupations and listen with attention and care to the voices speaking in their own center.                                                               

—Henri Nouwen 

Thought to ponder:  What act of self-compassion could strengthen me this week?