What is self compassion? Our Maryland therapists walk you through it.

Self-compassion is simply being kind to ourselves. Being kind to yourself and others when things go wrong, when you make a mistake, when another person messes up. It’s the idea that everyone (including ourselves!) deserves understanding rather than judgment. 

Maryland therapists say self compassion is

• Non-judgment

• Love

• Understanding

• Willingness to be okay with making mistakes

  
  

Self compassion is not

• Evaluation

• Comparison

• Trying to be better than others

• Judging our own mistakes but not others’

• Judging others’ mistakes but not our own

Why counselors say we need self-compassion

It’s easy to get stressed about what other people do. Sometimes we think about our own achievements and how they compare to others’. Self-compassion is about letting go of comparison and focusing on being kind to ourselves in any given moment. 

Self-compassion builds inner strength. It provides a safe space for you to take risks and make hard decisions. It helps you navigate situations when there’s no right or wrong answer.  

Remember that things will be okay and you are doing great! You are where you need to be. Life is about learning, not achieving. 

3 Easy Ways to Practice Self Compassion

Try increasing your self-compassion daily in these 3 ways:

1. Say something kind about yourself

Thinking over and over about yesterday’s mistakes? Take a deep breath and refocus on 3 things you did well yesterday.

2. Focus on your own understanding and growth rather than achievement.

Tired of waiting for your dream job? Notice the ways you’ve grown and learned new skills since starting your career. Get specific about what you hope to earn next. 

3. Do something fun

Identify 2 things you do to recharge, and make sure they’re on this week’s calendar. Plan to walk outside or have date-night with your partner.

Self Compassion and Radical Acceptance

Radical acceptance and self compassion are closely connected. Radical acceptance means accepting yourself and your circumstances as they are. It doesn’t mean saying they’re ok exactly as they are. Just that they ARE exactly as they are. Find more on radical acceptance here.

Want more guidance on how to practice self-compassion and self-care? Connect with us online or give us a call at (240) 242-5185.

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