self-compassion
Mercy toward yourself
Self-compassion is kindness and understanding directed toward oneself, especially during times of failure, inadequacy, or suffering.
Rather than harsh self-criticism or judgment, self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same care you might offer a struggling friend.
The concept has gained traction in psychology and mindfulness practices as an alternative to perfectionism and self-punishment.
Practicing self-compassion helped her recover from the setback without spiraling into shame.
Harsh internal self-judgment
- emotional resilienceCapacity to recover from distress
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
- gentlenessSoft, kind demeanor
- patienceCalm during delays
understanding · non-judgment · inner peace · emotional healing · vulnerability · tenderness · grace
Labored effort against resistance
- failureLack of success
- imperfectionFault or shortcoming
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- guiltMoral self-reproach
pain · hardship · setback · mistake · disappointment · grief · loss · trauma
Focused attention practice
- journalingRegular personal writing practice
- affirmationsPositive self-directed statements
- loving-kindnessBenevolent, tender affection
- body scanComplete physical examination
breathing exercises · guided imagery · mantra · reflection · ritual · daily practice · intention · pause
inner critic
Harsh internal self-judgment
- emotional resilienceCapacity to recover from distress
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
- gentlenessSoft, kind demeanor
patience · understanding · non-judgment · inner peace · emotional healing · vulnerability · tenderness · grace
struggle
Labored effort against resistance
- failureLack of success
- imperfectionFault or shortcoming
- shamePainful awareness of failure
guilt · pain · hardship · setback · mistake · disappointment · grief · loss · trauma · difficulty
meditation
Focused attention practice
- journalingRegular personal writing practice
- affirmationsPositive self-directed statements
- loving-kindnessBenevolent, tender affection
body scan · breathing exercises · guided imagery · mantra · reflection · ritual · daily practice · intention · pause · grounding
ubuntu
Shared humanity ethic
- Buddhist compassionloving-kindness, bodhisattva, Tara
- supportsupport, emotional support, moral support, support group, stand by
- mental wellnessmental health support, mental wellness, emotional wellness, coping skills, therapy
- self-carebathing, renewal, brushing teeth, bath bombs, revival
- self-improvementpersonal growth, focus, personal development, concentration, life coaches
- self-reflectionjournaling, introspection, soul-searching, contemplation, reflective writing
self-compassionself-hatred
Intense dislike of oneself
self-loathing · self-criticism · self-condemnation · beating yourself up · self-punishment
self-compassionself-recrimination
Accusing oneself harshly
shame · rumination · self-punishment · guilt · unforgivingness
self-compassionself-doubt
Uncertainty about oneself
insecurity · worthlessness · inadequacy · self-deprecation · inferiority
self, compassion, selves, selfish, selfless, selfhood, selfishly, selfishness, selflessly