“Courage gives us a voice and compassion gives us an ear. Without both, there is no opportunity for empathy and connection.”
Brené Brown
Dearest Muse,
Mistakes are human, often necessary, sometimes grave… what we must try to do, is extend ourselves compassion in our growth… to change our thoughts and behaviors for the better…
Otherwise, how do we heal?
This week's affirmation is…
I Deserve Compassion
Je Mérite De Le Compassion
Today, I’m excited to share some fantastic resources to help you embrace compassion, cultivate self-love, and enhance your empathy
*All photos are links to more information. The bookshop.org link is an affiliate link
As we focus on self-compassion, let's begin with a meditation. This one really struck me.
TENDER SELF-COMPASSION BREAK BY DR KRISTIN NEFF
When you're feeling overwhelmed, struggling with difficult emotions, or simply need a moment of comfort, this meditation can help you bring kindness and care to yourself.
Next, more from Kristin Neff.
So much more to learn about this topic.
Self-Compassion is not self-pity.
Self-Compassion is not self-indulgence.
Self-Compassion is not self-esteem.
Next, a bonus podcast from the compassion guru
DO I DESERVE SELF-COMPASSION? WITH DR KRISTIN NEFF
Loving ourselves is not easy.
This episode's practice is about giving yourself permission to be kind to yourself – on the good days, the bad ones, and especially when you feel like you have to pretend that everything is OK.
Let's continue with 5 amazing mantras to set your intention
5 MANTRAS FOR SELF-COMPASSION AND INNER HEALING
Our inner critic can lead us to generate personal stress and create perceived rejections and moreover, it can derail our social environment. Here are 5 mantras for self-compassion and inner healing to adapt and use, whenever you want or need affirmation of all that you are so that self-doubt, criticism and shame don't derail you from your inner resiliency, strength and perseverance.
Next, a novel recommended by my fiancé, and of course there's a love story.
A 20-year-old Chinese painter named Stephen is sent to his family's summer home in a Japanese coastal village to recover from a bout with tuberculosis. Here he is cared for by Matsu, a reticent housekeeper and a master gardener. Over the course of a remarkable year, Stephen learns Matsu's secret and gains not only physical strength, but also profound spiritual insight.
Lastly, a film telling the story of my favorite Superman, Christopher Reeve
SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY
Reeve's rise to becoming a film star follows with a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down. After the accident, he became an activist for spinal cord injury treatments and disability rights.
A COMPASSIONATE RITUAL
A RITUAL OF RADICAL COMPASSION FROM JE MÉRITE, I DESERVE, FOR HOLDING YOURSELF WITH GRACE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S DIFFICULT
Compassion isn’t just for when you’ve done everything right.
It’s for the messy middle, the almosts, the not-yet-healed.
It’s a reminder to show yourself kindness, even when you’re imperfect.
A SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX - Many of us have become so used to posting everything we do, like, see and experience on social media. Give yourself a little self-love by reducing your screen time. Most of us get the feeling that our lives are less fun and spontaneous than others. This doesn’t do any good for your mindset. So, let go of the phone for a few hours this week.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY - Do you need a warm bath? A refreshing stroll in the park? A piece of chocolate? Listen to what your body is telling you. Listen to it whispering, so it doesn't have to scream.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH LOVELY THINGS - Soft fabrics, beautiful affirmation candles, your most beautiful (and comfortable) je mérite loungewear... Transform your house into a home, you’ll be surprised how good you feel when you pay attention to yourself and your surroundings in this way.
Let this week be a return to the self.
To knowing that you are allowed to mess up, to slow down, and to begin again.
You'll be hearing more from me soon. Promise.
Tamara Charese
As always, affirmations from previous weeks are available here
Leave a comment