Self-Compassion: Easier Said Than Done

By Nancy O’Brien

Certified Yoga Therapist

Due to the struggles and challenges many of you share as members of this incredible Spondylitis community, you can probably summon up compassion for another person or a group in need at just about any time.

You see suffering. You recognize it. You may even feel that compassion naturally in your chest, solar plexus, or perhaps your back. Yet, it’s not as easy to summon up some of that compassion for yourself.

However, the truth is that you deserve the same compassion you feel for others. The realities of Spondylitis — the waiting and wondering, the fear and frustration, the discomfort, appointments, insurance calls, the real need for support and understanding from your community, and the pain – can sometimes seem impossible. Yes. For those reasons and more, you deserve compassion.

Here is a quick way to open the door and show yourself some compassion. It can provide true kindness to your nervous system and all of you.

So, first, think of a person or group- even pets or any sentient being– for whom you can easily rally up compassion. Let that fill your heart. Breathe into your heart and open up to that human feeling of compassion.

Then as you breathe out, send a wish, an intention, for that person, or that group, to find some relief from their suffering. Practice this a few times; Breathe into your heart, feeling compassion for that person, that group. Breathe out your intention of comfort, sending some peace to them.

Now, change up that image to one of yourself. Breathe into your suffering and difficult challenges. Open up to it, acknowledge it – even just a bit. Then with a breath out, send yourself a wish for some relief from your pain and suffering – mind, heart, and body.

Try it for a few breaths – or more – anytime and as often as you need. Imagine breathing into the feeling of compassion. Envision breathing out your intention for compassion – first for yourself, then, with that well of compassion replenished, for others.

Feel this kindness for yourself and embrace its authentic power to support you and those around you. We all need it!

Thanks to Pema Chodron, who widely shares the ancient practice of Tonglen, the inspiration for this post. For a deeper experience, click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwqlurCvXuM