The Power of Self-Compassion: Cultivating Inner Kindness in Times of Stress – News18

In moments of stress, the power of self-compassion shines brightly, offering solace and strength. By cultivating an inner kindness toward ourselves, we create a sanctuary amidst life’s turbulence. This gentle approach acknowledges our struggles with warmth and understanding, fostering resilience and self-acceptance. Through self-compassion, we embrace our humanity with open arms, finding peace in the midst of chaos and nurturing the courage to navigate life’s challenges with grace.

Sohini Rohra, Counselling Psychologist & Mental Health Advocate, says, “‘Kindness costs nothing.” Be a little kinder than you have to. One of the first principles children are taught, is to be kind and one of the very late lessons adults learn, is to be kind to themselves. Self-compassion is often misunderstood as selfish but both these concepts are at opposite ends of the spectrum. While both are self-driven, selfishness is externally driven and self-compassion is internally motivated.”

Self-compassion is being kind to ourselves through our failures, suffering and inadequacies. It is not only a critical tool in building a heathy relationship with oneself but also with the people in our lives. When we have self-compassion, we have strong boundaries and it is through the safety of these boundaries that we are able to respond in healthy compassionate ways. Self-compassion is vital for our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing.

Hitesh Chakraworty, Relationship Expert & Coach, Spiritual Healer, and Author of “Decoding the Mystery Behind 3, 6 and 9, says “Self-compassion isn’t just a soft notion; it’s a profound practice that empowers us to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace. In the fast-paced world we live in, stress can often feel like an unwelcome companion, but it’s during these times that self-compassion shines brightest. By extending kindness and understanding to ourselves, we create a nurturing space within, where we can find solace and strength.”

Cultivating inner kindness isn’t about ignoring our struggles or denying our emotions; it’s about embracing our humanity and offering ourselves the same compassion we would offer to a loved one in distress. When we approach ourselves with gentleness and empathy, we tap into a wellspring of resilience that helps us weather any storm. In moments of stress, let self-compassion be our guiding light, illuminating the path with acceptance, forgiveness, and unwavering kindness.

Rohra shares a few ways to cultivate self-compassion:

● Self-forgiveness.

● Unconditionally accept, acknowledge and feel your feelings.

● Questioning self-doubt.

● Practicing mindfulness.

● Treat yourself like you would treat a loved one.

● Nurture your body, mind and soul through nourishment, exercise, sleep hygiene, creativity, relaxation, breathwork and mediation, morning routines, discipline and so on.

● Monitor your self-talk.

Self-compassion is usually more effective than harsh self-criticism. A self-supportive and self-loving mindset helps us to learn from our mistakes and eventually learn to develop a growth mindset.