What is Mindful Self-compassion?
Kindness opens our hearts to suffering, so we can give ourselves what we need. Common humanity opens us to our essential interrelatedness, so that we know we aren't alone. Mindfulness opens us to the present moment, so we can accept our experience with greater ease. Together they comprise a state of warm-hearted, connected presence, known as self-compassion. Self-compassion provides emotional strength and resilience, allowing us to admit our shortcomings, motivate ourselves with kindness, forgive ourselves when needed, relate wholeheartedly to others, and be more authentically ourselves.
Why Practice Mindfulness?
The practice of mindfulness leads to a deeper organic relationship between body and mind. The teachings are how to live more consciously; to live in the state of being instead of doing and gain insights to transform your life as you fully experience each moment. Science is beginning to catch up with mindfulness, as a number of studies show how meditation and mindfulness can help rewire, reshape and mold the brain. This can improve our physical and emotional health, decrease anxiety and depression and even protect the brain from dementia. Mindfulness is also a practice, aimed at cultivating clarity, insight, and understanding. It allows us to more clearly respond to the challenges and stresses in our lives, make wiser choices and promote our own health and well-being.