Practicing Self-Compassion
The following is the second of two excerpts from the just-released ebook, The Connection Mindset. To read more on self-compassion, and the other 9 practices of the Connection Mindset, download it by following the directions below.
Self-compassion helps us socially in many ways. When we give ourselves permission to be imperfect, we become more authentic in our interactions with others. We are less tense and defensive, because we no longer need to hold up our image of perfection. Therefore, we are concerned less about how others may perceive us, which encourages us to be more available to them. This softening, this ease in being, makes us more approachable. Others are more happy to be around us.
Practicing self-compassion will gradually encourage others to do the same. In fact, your act of self-forgiveness, allowing space for your imperfections, may be the breath of fresh air your colleagues, partner, and friends need to do the same. Our hyper-competitive, hyper-self-critical society tells us otherwise, and yet, when those around you see how light it can be when we individually accept our shortcomings, they will want to do the same.
The collective self-compassion that can result reduces the collective need “to be perfect, or else...” Over time, we begin to understand that others will have our back when we slip. We will become more comfortable at discussing our own shortcomings, and recognize that they are shared by others, too. This helps us nurture the idea of common humanity. We are not truly separate from others. We ourselves suffer just as others do. This acceptance allows us to see more similarities. Therefore, it becomes easier to engage in a collective discussion of how to improve ourselves, our team, and our community. Without self-compassion, we perpetuate the cycle of hiding our faults and insecurities by pointing the finger at others, all the while continuing to feel separate, defensive, and isolated.
The Connection Mindset Has Been Released!
Worldview Coaching is pleased to announce the release of our first downloadable ebook, The Connection Mindset! Featuring 70+ pages of practical insights, this labor of love helps you develop deeper and more authentic social connections. Discover small, but profound, shifts in thinking each of us can make to promote more authentic and satisfying relationships. This ebook is now available as a free download!
Want to Download? Here’s How!
Subscribers of Mэntal Musings have access to a free download. Go to the Resource Room at worldviewcoaching.com and enter your passcode. From there, click on the file The Connection Mindset.pdf to view and download.
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Let’s Talk!: Fostering Self-Compassion
On Wednesday, July 28, we will have our first-ever Let’s Talk!, focusing on fostering self-compassion. This 100% FREE group coaching event will be hosted over Zoom, starting at 8 PM EST.
For this first Let’s Talk!, I am pleased to announce we will have a guest co-coach, Ms. Ashley Hofflander, a specialist in compassion. Ashley recently completed her master’s degree in Coaching Psychology at Life University, and will soon begin doctoral work in Clinical Psychology at California Southern University. Ashley exudes caring and warmth in her coaching presence. As one of her buddy coaches at Life University, I benefited tremendously from her coaching, and I am excited that she has agreed to be with us for our first Let’s Talk!
During our time together on the 28th, Ashley and I will ask questions designed to help you think more deeply about your own current level of self-compassion, and contemplate practical ways in which you can improve it. Hearing from others in the group, too, will expand your ways of thinking, providing you with insights you might not have had otherwise. As the focus is on coaching, both Ashley and I are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all participants. Therefore, once it has happened, there will not be any further mention of it in MM. So, in order to reap the benefits of this session, you have to participate!