Is Your Life Missing a Little Self-Compassion?

Compassion is one quality that we often seem to have copious amounts of for others, but little left for ourselves.

Compassion is the ability to feel deep sympathy and sorrow for others who are suffering. For many of us, it’s easier to be more compassionate toward others than toward ourselves. Why is this?

It is a question that many researchers are now studying. It is simply a fact that many of us would think nothing of extending a hand in compassion to others who need help, yet deny that same aid to ourselves.

Not all of us do this, but many of us would be healthier and happier if we treated ourselves with the same generosity and leniency we show others. Think of it as the Golden Rule in reverse: Treat yourself the way you would like others to treat you!

Self-compassion has been shown to decrease feelings of depression and anxiety and increase overall well‐being. It’s also believed to lead to a longer life, increased happiness, and decreased levels of burnout.

Additionally, compassion is believed to play a part in the health of our interpersonal relationships. This is because being able to put oneself in another’s shoes enables caring and thoughtful behavior.

Plato said: Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle. If we considered our own battles in a more understanding and patient way, how would our lives improve?

It is a profound question, one that may resonate with you right now as you are reading this article.

Would you like to learn more about self-forgiveness? Are there thoughts, moods, or behaviors that you wish you could change in order to be happier and healthier?

Change is a process that can run more smoothly when we have the help and support we need.

At RedCliff Ascent our expert staff can provide the kind of support needed to take a long hard look at what may be missing from your life. Maybe self-compassion is something that you would like to learn more about?

RedCliff Ascent is a therapeutic wilderness program, nestled between two mountain ranges in the high desert of Enterprise, UT. We focus on adolescents ages 13-17 who are struggling with various challenges from anxiety and depression, to school abandonment and the need to reconnect with their family. With over 25 years of experience, RedCliff uses a relational model and narrative therapy to drive an outcome and an evidence-based approach. RedCliff Recovery offers an experience like no other through a proven, 12-step, adventure-based wilderness program. For more information, call us today: 801-921-8488.