Compassion

Self-compassion is essential in the grieving process and in healing from emotional pain. Research shows that being kind to ourselves during moments of sadness and loss helps build resilience and inner peace. As Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading researcher on self-compassion, explains, treating ourselves with the same gentleness and understanding we would offer a loved one allows us to move through grief without adding self-criticism or judgment to the burden. Self-compassion strengthens confidence by encouraging acceptance of both our “messy” and beautiful parts, which in turn fosters a deeper sense of self-worth. This confidence then extends outward, enabling us to offer compassion to others. Additionally, as we practice self-compassion, we develop emotional resilience. Grief can feel overwhelming, but emotions, though powerful, are not meant to control us. Like training our body or mind, we can train our emotions by learning to understand them and redirect negative thoughts, leading to greater emotional mastery and peace.

"Seeking love keeps you from the awareness that you already have it—that you are it." -Byron Katie