[Daily Om] Create Time For Self-Compassion

I really needed to read this Daily Om post today.

Create Time For Self-Compassion: Being Gentle With Ourselves
During those times when our lives are filled with what seems to be constant change and growth, it is important to remember that we need to be gentle with ourselves. Since it can be easy to use our energy to keep up with the momentum of our lives, we may not be aware of the fact that we are much more likely to run ourselves down. When things seem to be moving quickly, it is especially essential that we make a point to slow down and be gentle with ourselves.

It might be difficult to notice what is happening to us for we may be so caught up in the whirlwind of our lives that we lose sight of the direction in which things are heading. Being gentle with ourselves doesn’t mean that we don’t accomplish things. Instead it means that we honor ourselves on an ongoing basis and take care of the needs of our bodies.

This means different things to different people. For instance, it could mean having a session with a healer; taking a remedy, herbs, or vitamins; or getting extra sleep. Putting our energy into ourselves in this way helps create space for a more positive, loving, and accepting view of our lives. By setting the intention to do so, we will be more cognizant of our energy levels on a daily basis and more able to replenish them as needed.

The more we are able to treat our bodies with gentleness, the more tenderness and compassion we will call forth into our lives. Learning to understand and pay attention to what our self needs will in turn allow us to fill our lives with unlimited loving and healing energy and to truly take care of the things that mean the most to us.

Whilst studying in Glastonbury last weekend, I had an ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia flare. It was severe enough for me to back out of day two of the course I was doing, and take stock. I spent the rest of that morning in bed, sleeping deeply, and then having a long shower. Andrew and I had a short walk around Glastonbury centre and also met up with a friend for a quick drink before we headed home — slowly, gently, and with care.

Later, once home and unpacked, I made a simple healing altar by the bed. I used a tealight, anointed lightly with lavender and rosemary oils, and placed it in front of one of my Goddess statues. This particular lady is sitting cross-legged and with her hands open in Her lap — into them I put a piece of paper upon which I’d written the word “healing”… All of this done with intent, of course! I lit the tealight before bed and let it burn through the night (ensuring safety, of course!) to heal and protect us.

Since then, I’ve had to be more aware of myself, my body, what it wants and needs. I have been reminded of the need to be gentle with myself more often, instead of pushing myself onward more and more, and striving to get everything done.

At Lughnasadh I pledged to willingly sacrifice my “I’ll do that!” reflex — as in, I’d say “No!” more often. I have been achieving this, surprisingly — opting to stay quiet when someone on an email list has asked for assistance with a project, for instance, or saying politely to a friend that I can’t take on any more at the moment. I am feeling lighter for it already.

And yet… This Daily Om post has brought back to me the need for some self-compassion. I need to spend some time with myself, honouring myself and healing up, because if I don’t various commitments on the horizon will not come to pass. There’s things I want to do then that are more important than things that I could push myself over the edge doing now, if that makes sense. It’s partially a question of priorities and working out what’s important to me — but equally, it’s realising that I need the time to heal and be gentle with myself.

My aim for the rest of the week (at least!) therefore is to take it easier, and be more compassionate towards myself. I am compassionate towards others — why should I be worth any difference in attitude? I shouldn’t. I won’t be. I will be gentle, and tender, and let myself be and do what I need to.