While I was sleeping, I dreamt I heard a familiar voice. A voice saying ‘Be kind to yourself.’ I had heard it a few times before when I was awake. But this time it sounded different – softer, gentler and kinder. It was the voice of my mirror that spoke to me in a dream. And the dream will stay with me forever.
Be Kind To Yourself
“Dear One, why is that when you look into me, you do so with a feeling of dread? Why is it that you constantly say things like “Look at that blemish” or “You’re looking old” or “Your wrinkles are showing.” Why are you so harsh and mean to yourself? Why can’t you see yourself, the way I see you?
And I can see that it is not just your looks that you fault yourself about. You keep berating yourself for poor choices from the past and mistakes you’ve made. Listen to the language you use when you’re talking to yourself. Look at the way you keep beating yourself up over trivial things. Why do you treat yourself in a way you wouldn’t dare to treat another?
You are worth all your love. Look into me, your mirror, and find the love of your life.
Honor your goodness. Be kind to yourself. “
“Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others.”
– Christopher Germer
Some ways in which we can show self-compassion to ourselves especially when we’re feeling low and depressed after a setback, a failure or plans gone awry :
- Take care of your body. Eat something healthy. Have a luxurious bath. Lie down. Massage neck and shoulders. Relax.
- Talk kindly to yourself. What would you say to a friend who is going through a similar situation? Say that to yourself.
- Try some self-compassion exercises.
- Listen to this song.
Linking in to :
Friday Reflections – hosted by Write Tribe and Sanch
Finish the Sentence Friday hosted by Kristi from FindingNinee and this week’s sentence thinker-upper, Deirdre of Deirdre’s Daily Dose. This week’s sentence is “While I was sleeping, I dreamt…”
1000 Speak For Compassion – Theme: Self-compassion
I needed to hear this. There are times i feel that I’m unkind to myself, then suddenly a thought flashes, ” Am I selfish to others when I seek my happiness?” .
I’m glad it spoke to you, Sheetal.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Practicing Mindfulness From Dawn Until Dusk
I tried to comment a moment ago and it didn’t work so let’s hope it works this time… What an amazing dream you had, and great that you took its message on board. It’s so easy to look in the mirror and see flaws, and it doesn’t help us! Your suggestions for self-kindness are all great.
Thanks for joining in the link-up.
Yvonne recently posted..It’s Okay To Be You – a #1000Speak post
Sorry about the glitch, Yvonne and thank you for trying again.
I’m always happy to join the #1000Speak initiative.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Practicing Mindfulness From Dawn Until Dusk
Boy, am I guilty of the crappy self-talk! Great reminder to be kind to ourselves!
Hi Cori,
I have learnt this kindness slowly, very slowly, convincing myself…’it’s ok to think about yourself first and be nice to your own self!’ Self-confabulation is an amazing trick and works wonders. Thanks for the lovely reminder.
Balroop Singh recently posted..How To Deal With Insensitive People
Oh why why why is it so much easier to be kinder to others than it is to ourselves? I love that you had that dream of your voice in the mirror. Mine sounds the same at times although I’m really trying to correct it so that I practice self-kindness. I’m so glad you linked this up with Finish the Sentence. Thank you for the reminder!
Your mirror dream echoes a moment I had in January. I was on holidays in a sunny clime with my family. I was not where I wanted to be weight wise. I could have let that ruin it. But instead, I told myself I refused to hear a hateful thought about my body or (my perceived) lack of effort on that front for two weeks. Instead, I was just going to enjoy my holiday and time with my family and kids. The end. It was an odd feeling of ACTUALLY letting go. Because I did. And it was wonderful.
Just be kind to yourself is such a powerful message. I love the dream talk you had. Thank you for sharing.
Also – thank you for sharing the video. I admit, I listened to it three times because one aspect bothered me and I needed to figure out what it was – but overall, it was such a powerfully positive message. I’ll remember it.
It is so important…I have been failing at it Corinne for the past few months…And honestly, it has lead to bouts of depression…I have to do everything and I don’t let anyone help me…and if someone does I feel guilty why I didn’t do it myself in the first place…It has not been easy…I need to be more compassionate towards myself..at least listen to my body which is going through a lot..
I am guilty of this, totally needed this reminder. Thank you.
P.S. I loved the song.
Shantala recently posted..Ajaya by Anand Neelakantan | Not Just a Book Review – Part 1
Glad you liked the song, Shantala. We all need reminders to be good to ourselves. Crazy, but true!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Joyfully Religious #MondayMusings
Lovely post. We need to be kind to ourselves. Many times, I also look into the mirror and see those grey hair, the skin that needs more attention, the never going down weight and what not. I need to be more compassionate. Loved the message that you share through your dream.
Parul Thakur recently posted..A Decade of Love..
I wrote about this, but for me it is a little different, as my visual impairment prevents me from seeing much of my reflection anymore. I can never decide if this is better or worse, because I still have all those doubts and the negative self talk. I like your tips and they are all true.
Kerry recently posted..For sea turtles, a diet worse than junk food
Before being kind with others, be kind with yourself.
Meltblogs recently posted..Truth Of Life ( Wisdom Thoughts)