02/12/2017
Our feature of the week is Camille Wilson, owner and counselor at Full Journey Counseling & Wellness in Davidson. I heard her speak recently on self-compassion and I thought it appropriate that we remember to be compassionate to ourselves during all the Valentine's Day hoopla.
Here is what she would like to share with you regarding the topic:
"During this month in which we celebrate love, it is so important to talk about the gift of self-compassion…a gift of love which we can give to ourselves. The practice of self-compassion is so simple…yet so difficult, as most of us are so very hard on ourselves. We make a mistake, or perhaps stumble and fall, and we get mad at ourselves… we wonder why we are so weak… and we criticize and hurl insults at ourselves!
It is time to be self-compassionate. Why? Because the practice of self-compassion is scientifically linked to increased emotional and physical well-being. Kristen Neff, PhD, the leading researcher in the field of self-compassion, reports that people who practice self-compassion tend to have more positive outlooks on life and are remarkably resilient when faced with the struggles and challenges that life brings.
How do I become self-compassionate? One step at a time. Self-compassion is a practice. Begin by noticing the voice of your inner critic…what is this voice saying to you? Awareness is the first step toward change, after all. When you make a mistake or find yourself struggling with anger, sadness, loneliness, or any other feeling for that matter, just allow that feeling to be present without judgment, and turn towards it with gentleness and acceptance. Remember, you are human and imperfect…and you will make mistakes. But you are not alone…we are all in this amazing and difficult and miraculous journey together!
So, during this month of Valentine’s Day, remember to take the time to be self-compassionate. Treat yourself with kindness, as you would your closest friend. Be patient and loving towards yourself. Surround yourself with beauty and positive people. Make time for those things which nourish your mind, body, and soul. As you read these words, you might be thinking, but what if I don’t deserve self-compassion? What if I don’t feel worthy or loveable or deserving of kindness?
Self-compassion is so important precisely because we don’t feel worthy, or deserving, or loveable. Start practicing anyway. There is no better time to start."
~ Camille Wilson, Full Journey Counseling & Wellness
705 Peninsula Drive Davidson, NC 28036
704.980.9599
www.fulljourney.org
