In most cultures, to be a
compassionate person is seen as a
strength, a virtue and a sign of a
generous, selfless and emotionally intelligent person. However, those who claim to be
kind and
compassionate to themselves are perceived as weak, self-indulgent, ’soft' or navel-gazing.
Contrary to perception, learning to be
kinder to ourselves actually makes us more likely to be: emotionally
resilient;
self-motivated; willing to take
positive risks in our lives (growth mindset); and more emotionally available to others. See below for a
myth-busting article, destroying the misconceptions around self-compassion that hold people back from trying out this
transformative practice.
