Messages of Self-Compassion for Seniors

What are messages of self-compassion? Self-compassion for seniors is a tool to help a person appreciate what they have, while using coping skills to deal with challenges.

 

Aging gracefully by seniors take planning and not a little effort. Life keeps throwing curveballs, especially in the area of health. How a person will cope with the challenges is partially in their own hands.

 

Seniors can learn a life-giving skill; it is simple – be nice to yourself.

Self-compassion is when you see your own inadequacy, pain or failure, yet, respond with warmth and kindness. When you have self-compassion, you don’t apply self-criticism, denial of the pain and self-hurt.

 

10 Steps to Self-Compassion

  1. Recognize when you are suffering.
  2. Allow your heart to feel.
  3. Empathize and be nice to yourself.
  4. Judge yourself generously.
  5. Forgive yourself for your shortcomings.
  6. Nurture and nourish your self-value.
  7. Comfort yourself with kind comments.
  8. Encourage yourself with strength.
  9. Find physical ways to care for yourself.
  10. Notice whether you are feeling better.

 

There is a difference between self-compassion and pity. Self-pity leads to a dead end. Feelings of self-pity lead to nothing; no changes and no sign of life.

Self-compassion leads to change, growing and life.

 

Why provide it for yourself?

By providing your own self-compassion you can garner the following amazing benefits:

  • Not having to rely on others for compassion
  • Reduced anxiety
  • Less of a leaning towards depression
  • More relaxed interpersonal relationships
  • An internal supply of ‘feeling understood’
  • You can develop ways to be happier and healthier

 

There is site dedicated to this important topic self compassion.org. One point that is made by Dr. Kristin Neff is that self-compassion is all about accepting one’s human-ness and honoring oneself in that state of imperfection.

 

Strengthening Sentences to Repeat

Here are a few suggestions. Repeating these sentences could help you generate positive emotions. Positive emotions are known to influence healing and rehabilitation.

  • I am doing the best I can.
  • My efforts are very special and valuable.
  • This is a really hard stage, but will pass.
  • It could be that better times are just around the corner.
  • As a human being I am intrinsically worthy of respect
  • I accept my failures, move past them and try again.

 

Try some of these self-compassion exercises from Dr. Kristin Neff.

 

Self-Compassion for Seniors – It Can Be Done!

Self-compassion can help a person move out of the emotional rut they are in.

Self-compassion is becoming more and more understood, as a way to get through the challenges of life.

Learn how to use the tool of self-compassion. If you have grandchildren, teach them how to use it too.

Maybe you are a senior who suffered a medical challenge, maybe even a serious one. Now you are stable and reading this. Perhaps you have a challenging series of therapy ahead of you. Maybe you want to keep your mind healthy in spite of the challenges.

Learn about self-compassion from this article and the resources provided in it.

Promote self-compassion for seniors, starting closest to home. Begin building your inner-self through self-compassion, and get ready to enjoy a new you!

 

 

self-compassion for seniors begins  from learning to care for others annd ends with caring for yourself

Often it is easier to recognize compassion when we show it to others. For many of us, self-compassion is a new concept.

 

Photo by Antón Jáuregui on Unsplash

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