Compassion is the feeling that we have for others. It’s a human quality, and an important one at that. Compassion is what motivates us to be kind to our friends when they’re down in the dumps, or do something nice for somebody who needs it without getting anything in return.
Compassion is also what makes us want to help those less fortunate than ourselves- whether by donating money or volunteering some time.
But how can you develop more compassion? After all, there are so many people in this world who need it, especially if you struggle with the binge-restrict cycle!
3 Steps To Mindful Self Compassion
Kristin’s Neff and her colleagues in the self-compassion studies have found that there are three main components of self-compassion: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness.
The first component is how we talk to ourselves when we’re going through difficult situations. If you find yourself saying things like “I’m such a loser,” or “Why can’t I get this right?” then start kinder with yourself and say something more gentle like “I’m hurting right now” or “It’s normal that this is really hard.”
The second component is feeling for others who are experiencing the same difficulties as you. Try to remember times when other people faced similar challenges and you felt compassion for them.
The third component is to bring a mindful awareness of the present moment. Sometimes we can get so caught up in our thoughts that we forget that right here and now there are people going through difficult times. Try to remember this, and be there for them by offering compassion.
Be Well
In a world that can sometimes be cruel, it’s important to take care of yourself and realize that you’re not alone. Making mindful decisions about how we talk to ourselves when experiencing difficulties will help us develop more compassion for others who are going through the same thing.
Whether by saying kinder things or remembering those around us who need our support, there are many ways in which we can cultivate self-compassion.
If this article has been helpful to you and you want personalized advice on developing your own self-compassion practice (and yes this is highly important in building a sustainable eating plan where you stop binge eating in the process), feel free to get in touch with me! I’m here for you!
