Comparison vs Compassion

Catching up on social media can be a nice way to connect with people. We get to see the faces of those we love. Catch up on a CATME or chat with an old friend. But social media can also send us into self comparison. As we scroll through our feed, it can feel like everyone is doing more or doing better than we are. You might see someone celebrating a career milestone, reaching a new phase of a romantic relationship or traveling to exciting places. It's easy to feel like we are falling behind, but the truth is, all of us go through different seasons at different times. In wherever you are in your life right now is perfectly okay. You are doing enough just by doing what's important to you. Today we'll practice extending ourselves some grace for how much we're getting done, in practice, connecting with our inner cheerleader to combat negative feelings. Let's get started. Find a position of rest and comfort. Close your eyes or soften your gaze and take a deep breath in and out. Take another breath. In and out. Start to lengthen each breath, and if you can, try to breathe in and out on a count of five. Let's try a few breaths together. In, 2, 3, 4, 5. Out, 2, 3, 4, 5. In 2, 3, 4, 5. Out, 2, 3, 4, 5. Maintain that rhythm and try to focus on your breath. If any thoughts pop up, thank them for their input and gently return to your breath. I'll give you some time to practice on your own. Great job. Allow your breath to return to its natural rhythm. Now bring your awareness to your mind, that space where your thoughts and feelings live, and allow something that has been worrying you to come up. Maybe it's a self comparison or something that makes you feel insecure. Make sure it's something that feels comfortable to work with today. Let it appear without judgment. Now, bring to mind someone in your life who you feel is your biggest fan. It can be someone real or imagined. It's a person who sees all your incredible qualities and potential. Imagine them standing in front of you now. Once you see them, take a moment to tell them what's bothering you. I'll give you some time to tell them now. Now, imagine what they say back to you. What worries do they soothe? What qualities of yours do they admire? How do they pump you up? Nice work. It can take time to change the channel from self-doubt to self encouragement. If it felt tough, that's okay. The more we practice self-compassion, the better we get at it. And know that you always have this voice you can call on. Let this visualization fade away. And let's take one last deep breath together. In and out. Repeat this after me, either out loud or in your head. I will greet comparison with compassion....