By Karen Preskenis Perrin, wellness coach
Self-compassion and spiritual wellness
This month we are focusing on spiritual well-being. Our spiritual well-being is connected to our sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in our lives. One way we can support our spiritual wellness is by focusing on self-compassion.
You may feel compassion when you hear about the hardship of others. Have you considered having compassion for yourself? When we shift how we respond to challenging feelings, it affects us and those around us.
People who practice self-compassion when feeling difficult emotions often find the intensity and duration of challenging emotions changes. Meditation teacher Tara Brach shares a tool to support self-compassion in difficult situations. She calls this short process “RAIN.”
The steps of RAIN
R for recognize: Notice what is happening. Pay attention to how you feel and respond in the situation.
A for allow: Give space inside you for this challenging feeling. Let it be a part of your current experience, even when it feels hard or uncomfortable.
I for investigate: Investigate what is happening by being curious and caring as you explore what you feel and the reason this comes up for you.
N for nurture: Bring a sense of kindness and care towards yourself as you feel your emotions.
Many people have a stronger experience of self-compassion by putting a hand over their heart with an attitude of care. When we focus on having compassion and love for ourselves, we feel a greater sense of calm. Then we are better able to focus on the people we care about around us. Taking a few minutes each day to feel self-compassion supports our own spiritual wellness and also gives us a greater ability to offer compassion and care to others.
Tip: Learn more about self-compassion online. Visit Tara Brach’s website to read The RAIN of Self-Compassion in seven languages.
