Hi Friends ~

For the last couple of months, I’ve been participating in a training in Mindful Self-Compassion, developed by Kristin Neff, PhD, and Christopher Germer, PhD. I am grateful to my talented colleague, Becky Siden, LMSW, who has skillfully guided a deep dive into the concepts and practices of Mindful Self-Compassion.

While the training has been intended to heighten our own self-awareness and compassion toward ourselves, I’ve found the work to be meaningfully applicable in my work with clients.

The quote I chose to share, from Winnie the Pooh, reminded me of the care with which we speak to others when we want to offer support or alleviate suffering. Yet, how often do we speak this kindly to ourselves?

Typically, we are much harsher toward ourselves, unwittingly allowing a loud inner critic to take hold in our minds.

Here is an opportunity to make a radical shift: speak to yourself as you would speak to someone you care deeply about.

Think of how you respond when you experience someone else suffering. In my work with individuals, there is often a theme of vulnerability due to a diagnosis: “How is life going to change?” “How will I get through it?” “Am I going to be a burden?”

Think about what you would say to offer comfort and encouragement to someone asking these questions. Now consider what it would feel like to offer yourself the same kindness.

Giving ourselves grace can sound like a radical concept. Yet it is possible to practice, and invaluable as a strategy to move through challenging times.

Most of us are caring for others in some way: as a parent, as a caregiver, as a friend. Are you filling your own cup as you fill someone else’s? Taking care of your own wellness is another form of self-compassion.

~

As a reminder, classes at Elements Every Day are designed specifically to address overall well-being: physical, mental, and emotional health. We continue to tweak our calendar and are eager to hear from you! Please take a moment to share your feedback with us in this brief survey so we may continue to optimize our offerings.

Click here to take the brief survey.

May the month of May represent a literal and figurative blossoming of care ~ toward others, and toward ourselves.

With love,

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Classes Are Ongoing!

Gentle Yoga with Kaytee ~ Gentle Yoga with Cindy ~ Gentle Yet Strong Yoga with Jen ~ Chair Yoga with Lindsay ~ Movement Mixture with Lisa ~ Gentle Yoga with Deepa ~ Candlelight Yin Yoga with Deepa ~ Yoga For Strength & Balance with Stephanie ~ Tune Into Yourself with Julie