Tips for Mindful Compassion Practice
- Don’t worry about getting the “perfect” surroundings – just take some time to connect without judgement.
- It is ok for your attention to drift…this is natural as our brains are designed to drift. Just gently bring your attention back to your breath or the activity that you were mindfully engaging in.
- Being mindfully compassionate is not about “emptying your mind” of thoughts. It is more about paying attention to what is happening in the here and now in a gentle manner.
- Don’t get too hung up on counting breaths, just go with your own natural soothing rhythm, which will be different for everyone.
- It is ok to find it difficult. Often our hectic lifestyles mean that we struggle to slow down at times, so be kind to yourself and just gently bring your attention back to the present when your mind wanders.
- Practice – remember it takes time to change habits. Just like with anything in life, we can only get better at it if we practice. By taking the time out to engage in mindful compassion practice, you are giving yourself the message of “I am important too”.
- Be mindful of your self-critic! We all have one, but you don’t have to pay too much attention to it. Your self-critic might tell you that you “can’t do it”, or “have failed”…but you haven’t. Challenge that self-critic and look at the times in the past where you have struggled but persevered.
- Try to start your day with a short mindful compassion activity such as some breathing or taking time to drink your morning coffee.
- Take regular breaks throughout the day to “check in” with your breathing. Sometimes we take our breath for granted. It is the anchor in our bodies.
- Try to take some time before you sleep to engage in some mindful compassion practice, such as a guided meditation or a soothing activity.
- Scan your body and pay attention to any tension areas. Our bodies give us messages that we do not always pay attention to.
