Self Compassion: What Is It, Myths and Benefits
From a very young age, we are taught to achieve more, work harder, win, and succeed. People subconsciously try to do what’s best in an effort to improve themselves. Of course, there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a goal in life. But, what happens when that goal drives you into a corner?
When people face serious obstacles, they become self-critical. When self-worth depends on out-competing those around us, that’s when we become anxious. People can tend to self-criticize, which creates a layer of insecurity. So, when criticism comes into play, that’s when we feel crushed and become defensive.
Self-compassion can teach you how to turn over a new leaf. It can give you that inner strength and empowerment you need to achieve the objectives that seem out of reach. But, to understand the benefits of self-compassion, you first need to figure out the basics and myths.
Self-Compassion – Covering the Basics
Having compassion for yourself is not any different than having compassion for those around you. It’s a source of learning, empowerment, and inner strength. To answer the question of what is self-compassion, it’s important to delve a bit deeper into this construct.
Defined as treating oneself with non-judgmental acceptance and kindness, self-compassion is a key quality for well-being and psychological health. Whenever you are faced with obstacles and failures, you still show desirable psychological attributes.
First, to have compassion, you should notice when a person is suffering. Secondly, having compassion means that you can be moved by others when they are suffering. When that happens, you feel caring, warm, and eager to help. Self-compassion is the same thing but focused on yourself.
Rather than having that “stiff upper lip” mentality of bottling the pain away, you stop to think of ways that would comfort and help you. A practical example of self-compassion is when you don’t criticize and judge yourself due to your shortcomings. Instead, you are kind and work to fix those discrepancies.
What Are the Real Benefits You Can Expect?
Many people are interested in the scientific benefits of self-compassion. Self-compassion research indicates that this trait is linked with improved physical health. It has an indirect effect on your body.
These reports suggest that taking a mindful, accepting, and kind approach towards your own failures and flaws could have a beneficial impact in decreasing stress. As well as promoting good health behaviors. With self-compassion, you have better odds of gaining resilience.
That way, you can face your insecurities, mistakes, and failures with a rational perspective. Unlike self-criticism, self-compassion is here to build happiness and strength. All of which can prove useful in the long run.
So, what does self-compassion involve? It begins with self-kindness. Understanding that you deserve concern and care like everyone else. Then you need common humanity. Know that it’s normal to make a mistake.
As long as you learn from these mistakes, you can always achieve better results. And finally, you have mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness can give you that insight you’ve been looking for. With guided meditation, especially with meditation classes Singapore, you can toughen up and learn more about your emotions.
The Biggest Myths About Self-Compassion
For some, self-compassion is a commendable trait. For others, not so much. But to really understand the impact of a trait such as this one, it’s crucial to take a look at its misgivings. Here is a list of some of the biggest myths about self-compassion that you should know about.
Self-Compassion Is A Sign Of Weakness.
People think they have to be hard as nails to get through a difficult phase in life. This is the closest thing they have to self-respect. But, experts say, self-compassion is not a weakness. It’s a source of resilience and perseverance. It is basically your inner ally.
When I’m Being Self-Compassionate, I’m Selfish.
Self-judgment and self-defeating tendencies are more common than people realize. When you get absorbed in them, you have little energy left to help others. Beating yourself up over some things could be seen as a paradoxical form of self-centeredness. But, when you are nurturing and kind to yourself, most of your emotional needs become met. That means you have more energy to spare on others. So, no, self-compassion isn’t a selfish behavior.
When You Show Self-Compassion, You Drown In Self-Pity.
Self-compassion is almost like an antidote for feeling sorry for yourself. And there is a good reason behind that. This source of empowerment is here to make you more eager to experience, accept, and recognize difficult emotions with kindness. That way, you can let the problems go. Accept those struggles and feel more in tune with yourself. With better emotional support, you can create a pillar for good mental health.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to self-compassion. But, once you wrap your mind around it, you can see it as a motivator for success. Eventually, you can practice how to maintain a peaceful state of mind and achieve happiness.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5779931/
https://self-compassion.org/the-three-elements-of-self-compassion-2/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5779931/
http://ccare.stanford.edu/uncategorized/the-scientific-benefits-of-self-compassion-infographic/
