Embracing Compassion: Transforming Self-Judgment

(electronic music) Headspace Studios. (calming music) Hi friends, it's Rosie here. Welcome to Radio Headspace, and to Friday. So in my earlier days, amidst the whirlwind of establishing my identity, there were times when self-criticism clouded my self view. I remember a specific incident when I had taken on a project for a wellness company, and I was eager to prove myself. Despite my best efforts, the results weren't quite what I had envisioned. My superiors said I was too inexperienced, and my suggestions were too costly. And instead of considering it as a learning curve, I was brutal with self-judgment. It was only when I stumbled upon the teachings of compassion towards myself and others that I truly began to see the transformative power it held. My compassion journey, however, came in an unexpected way, and it's something that continues even now. Today, I'll share the surprising way my journey started and how it changed the way I treat myself for the better. (calming music) So back when I lived in East LA, the streets were off a cacophony of sounds and sights, each person living their own story, each narrative intertwined with another. On a particularly busy day for me, I remember walking past an elderly woman struggling with her groceries. Even though I was on a mission to get in and out as fast as I possibly could, I decided to approach her and offered my help. What followed was a short walk, but a long conversation about life, loss and love. (calming music) As I finished helping her with the last of her groceries, I began to maneuver the shopping cart back to its station. She paused, a distant look on her face. "My husband used to do that for me." Then she began to recount their meeting story, and the world around us seemed to blur. People rushed past, cars zipped in and out of parking spots. But in that moment, it felt as if we were enveloped in our own little bubble. It was in that simple interaction that I truly understood the depth of compassion. It wasn't about grand gestures, but small acts that said, "I see you, I understand, and I'm here." (car whooshes) Returning home, I looked in the mirror, and for the first time in a while, genuinely smiled at my reflection. If I could extend compassion to a stranger, why was it so hard to do the same for myself? I began to change this slowly by just greeting myself in the morning. "Hello, how are you feeling today," I would say to myself. I felt silly, but with every mindful practice of doing this, I started feeling good, treating myself with the same kindness and understanding I would a dear friend or someone that could use a listening ear, and that's a tip for you too. We are with ourselves 24/7 anyway, right? Who better to lend us compassionate care than the person we're with every second of...