I wrote last week about a Buddhist teaching that could be an effective weight-loss strategy. Today I’d like to focus on another one, a fundamental principles of Buddhism – compassion.
Specifically, self-compassion, which Buddhist nun Pema Chodron defines as unconditional friendship with oneself.
Pause for a moment to deeply feel the compassion you would have for a good friend who is facing a challenge. Can you feel the warmth, the love, the forgiveness? Can you imagine the encouragement, the pride, the absolute knowing that she can do whatever she sets her mind to?
Self-compassion is turning those feelings on yourself. All the time. Even
when you mess up. Especially when you mess up.
Weight loss is not easy. It involves changing thought patterns we’ve had
for decades and listening to our bodies when we’d rather have the brownie.
Imagine what a difference it would make if you had a compassionate,
unconditional friend with you every step of the way. Imagine that friend is
you.
What can you do today to show yourself the warm, loving, compassionate
embrace of unconditional friendship?
Specifically, self-compassion, which Buddhist nun Pema Chodron defines as unconditional friendship with oneself.
Pause for a moment to deeply feel the compassion you would have for a good friend who is facing a challenge. Can you feel the warmth, the love, the forgiveness? Can you imagine the encouragement, the pride, the absolute knowing that she can do whatever she sets her mind to?
Self-compassion is turning those feelings on yourself. All the time. Even
when you mess up. Especially when you mess up.
Weight loss is not easy. It involves changing thought patterns we’ve had
for decades and listening to our bodies when we’d rather have the brownie.
Imagine what a difference it would make if you had a compassionate,
unconditional friend with you every step of the way. Imagine that friend is
you.
What can you do today to show yourself the warm, loving, compassionate
embrace of unconditional friendship?
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