“Be Kind.”
It is a phrase we have all been hearing from the New Zealand Government for the last year. Be kind to our neighbours, small businesses, strangers….
But when was the last time you truly showed kindness to yourself?
We have all been personally impacted by the challenges of the last year, but how much time have you really given yourself to process what has happened, mourn what has been lost, and recognize the stresses that have been thrown your way?
Part of truly showing yourself self-compassion is to first show yourself self-kindness. This is where we allow ourselves to feel nurtured during challenging times and to treat ourselves with love, sympathy, respect, and understanding. It is where we show the same kindness that we show to others around us.
So how can you show yourself kindness? Here are four strategies you can implement into your daily life.
- Let yourself feel your emotions
Especially when you are suffering, give yourself the time to truly feel those emotions—even if they are painful or overwhelming. We can only truly heal when we allow time to process and experience all of our emotions, not just the good ones. To be truly kind to yourself is to acknowledge the feelings you have. If you are needing guidance on how to do this, we encourage you to sign up for a counselling session, where you will be empowered to grow in self-compassion.
- Allow yourself time to breathe
Sometimes all it takes is ten nourishing breaths. No matter how busy the day may seem, you can always find time to take ten breaths that will help you stay present and connected with yourself. For a truly kind breathing experience, you can join us at one of our daily yoga sessions where we will guide you through breath and movement. Or you can follow our breathing guide online to do it on your own.
- Give yourself the gift of movement
Our physical being is just as important as our mental being. Giving yourself time to experience movement is a way to show yourself kindness and reconnect with your body. Whether that be going for a walk through nature, attending one of our Wholehearted Yoga studio sessions, or signing up for our online yoga courses, there are plenty of options to schedule some movement for yourself every day.
- Form connections with others
We all have a deep desire to feel a sense of belonging and connection. Feeling part of a community ignites our soul and solidifies a sense of purpose. If you are looking for a community to join, the door at The Connected Center is always open for you. We’ve created a non-judgemental environment for you to move, breathe, arrive, and let go.
These four strategies don’t have to be implemented all at once. You can choose just one to focus on and grow from there. If I have one wish for you this year, it is that you allow yourself to experience kindness—whether that be through breath, yoga, community, or counselling.
