How self-compassion supports self-responsibility
Feb 22, 2023
We all make mistakes. We hurt ourselves, or we hurt someone else – and sometimes, we'll even do both. Such mistakes can often provoke our inner critic to scold or condemn us into changing. This usually leads to us feeling deflated, ashamed and angry at ourselves.
Self-compassion offers a powerful alternative. Self-compassion isn't the same as letting yourself off the hook. In fact, it can be the very opposite. By looking at ourselves with curiosity, concern and commitment to alleviating the suffering caused by the more difficult patterns in our personal lives and relationships.
Rather than beating us up, self-compassion liberates us from self-hatred, allowing us to look at our shortcomings, weaknesses, and flaws directly. It equips us with the courage and commitment to deal with our shortcomings with decency and empathy towards ourselves. It gives us the strength to take responsibility for our actions – no matter how much they might have cost us.
It is true that self-compassion takes the form of warmth, comfort and nurturing...But it also requires boldness and determination. Responding to ourselves with warmth and compassion while taking courageous action to alleviate our suffering is powerful. Embracing who we are with an open heart and devotion to our own well-being allows us to be courageous in nurturing change in the habits that cause us suffering.
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