Compassion,
Part 1
by Rinatta Paries |
"Before
we can feel compassion
for anyone else, we must
learn to feel compassion
for ourselves."
~Unknown
Webster's Dictionary
defines compassion as
the sympathetic
consciousness of other's
distress. But the first
step toward having
compassion for others is
having compassion for
yourself. It is the
first step toward
creating thriving
relationships. It is the
first step toward moving
forward and growing your
life.
This is because we can
never truly give to
another if we are empty,
if we are tapped out,
unnourished. Sure, we
can push ourselves to
give even then. But the
giving won't be genuine.
At the same time, giving
to others while you are
empty makes you feel
resentful. This is why
it is extremely
important to always care
for yourself first.
The last time you were
sick, did you take care
of yourself the way you
would a sick child? Did
you fix your favorite
meal, sleep for hours on
end, and take a day or
two off from work? Or
did you instead push
yourself through the
discomfort and low
energy, all the time
telling yourself you
can't afford the time to
be sick?
The last time you were
sad, did you hug
yourself, take a good
long time to journal,
and call a friend and
pour your heart out? Or
did you instead continue
with your routine,
pushing yourself even
harder, telling yourself
to get over it?
The last time you failed
at something, did you
look at all you
accomplished even in the
failure, acknowledge
your sadness, and come
up with a gentle,
practical way to do
better next time? Or did
you instead berate
yourself endlessly,
telling yourself what
you should have done
differently and better,
resolving to succeed
through sheer willpower?
Self-compassion is the
ability to be present to
your shortcomings and
vulnerability, your
humanness, and still
perceive yourself as the
precious, lovable human
being you are.
Practice compassion for
yourself because...
· You are human,
fragile, vulnerable and
you need it as a
traveler in a scorching
desert needs a regular
drink of cool, clear
water to survive.
· Without it you will
not have the strength to
achieve your greatest
aspirations, because you
will need
self-compassion to deal
with failures along the
way.
· You can be with and
connect with others only
to the degree that you
can be with and connect
with your own humanity.
Practice compassion for
yourself today. Start
this very moment. Meet
your deepest need, take
time for yourself, feel
deeply your emotions.
This is what you were
born for and you will
blossom as a result.
|
| About
the Author |
| Having
coined the phrase
"relationship
coach," Master
Certified Coach Rinatta
Paries works with
singles to help them
attract their ideal
relationship, and helps
couples create more love
and fulfillment in their
existing relationships.
Visit her web site at
www.WhatItTakes.com or
e-mail her at coach@WhatItTakes.com. |
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