Want to maximize the good you can do in the world? Start with taking a look inside!
In the framework for the Ripple Revolution, what’s going on with you internally and what you do externally in the world is interconnected. Any positive impact you make originates with you (as does any negative impactl), so it’s no massive leap of logic that positive internal development can have a positive effect on your potential to make a difference.
A great example of that is self-compassion. Most of us are no strangers to compassion for others – especially during times like the horrific shooting in Connecticut last Friday. But compassion for ourselves seems to be a little harder to come by (yeah, I’m talking to you, the one over there with cat-o-nine-tails-wielding inner critic!).
Self-criticism instead of self-compassion can have a negative impact on our confidence, our stress levels, what we’re willing to risk, and more. And every little bit of it is self-inflicted.
This interview with Kristin Neff, Phd., author of the book Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind (I recommend it), gives a good overview of the impact of self-compassion and what we can do to develop it.
Here’s a quick synopsis from the interview page:
Self-compassion involves being kind to ourselves rather than self-critical, seeing our flaws and shortcomings as part of the shared human experience rather than as isolating, and relating to our negative feelings in a balanced, mindful manner. This allows us to thrive and be happy without seeing ourselves as better than others. In fact, Kristin’s research shows that self-compassion offers all of the psychological benefits of self-esteem with none of its drawbacks. And self-compassion is not the same as self-indulgence. In fact, research indicates that by caring for ourselves compassionately we are more motivated to learn from our mistakes, grow, and reach our full potential.
The interview is worth listening to. You can also download it as an mp3 to listen to on the go.
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Brought to you by Curt Rosengren, Passion Catalyst TM
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