If we don’t remember to be kind to ourselves, we won’t have the energy, strength or spirit to treat the ones we love with the kindness they deserve.

Kindness is inherent to human nature; in other words, it exists at our very core. However, although we are aware that we need to treat others kindly, we tend to forget that kindness starts at home and with ourselves.

Showing self-kindness

You can experience self-kindness by:

    • Caring for the whole of who you are, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Take time out to recharge your own batteries in spite of the demands of your job, family and household. Spend 30-60 minutes in the morning or evening with reading, listening to or watching programmes, music or videos that uplift you. Indulge in a long bath or shower, or spend time on a good work-out to get rid of tensions and stress.
    • Showing yourself acceptance and forgiveness through all of your experiences. Don’t slip into self-judgement if you stumble in your thoughts, feelings or actions; rather be your own best friend. If you beat yourself up because you think you have failed someone or something, you will only erode your self-esteem. Be a kind and supportive friend to yourself instead.
    • Embracing change when change is necessary. It is never too late to change if you are unhappy with your circumstances. Don’t get stuck in thoughts about what you could have done or what went wrong. Think about what you really want in life: Better health? A great relationship? New challenges in your career? Decide what small steps you can take towards achieving that goal and act upon it.
    • Remind yourself of why it is smart to be kind to yourself. By reminding yourself of the benefits of being kind to yourself – such as better real-life results, more perseverance, higher self-esteem, more inner happiness, more positive relationships with yourself and other people – it becomes easier to stay kind to yourself through life’s natural ups and downs.

Through kindness to ourselves, we dissolve negative energy and destructive patterns we may be experiencing, thereby creating space for the essence of who we are to shine through.

What kindness have you shown to yourself today?

 

Sources
http://www.mindbodygreen.com
http://www.newdaynewlesson.com
http://www.positivityblog.com