How Does Self-Compassion Help Us Keep Our Health And Fitness Goals?
Doctor Lynn is a Naturopath, yoga nutrition therapist, fitness professional, karma master, published author, international speaker and video producer with over 40 years’ experience in the field of natural health and fitness.
Studies reveal to regain momentum after a break in exercise or a dietary slip-up, incorporating self-compassion into accountability amplifies self-control following a setback. The act of self-kindness aids us in diminishing those feelings of failure and demoralization that often accompany a deviation from our goals. It's important to note that self-compassion should not be misconstrued as a free pass to dismiss our goals. When self-compassion and accountability harmonize, we reclaim our power and steer ourselves back on track, feeling empowered and capable.
What exactly is self-compassion? Karma yoga defines compassion as moving away from violence and fearlessness and toward calmness and kindness. This results in "mental purity," or the ability to think clearly without emotion or passion. Metal purity requires the practice of compassion. The Buddha said, "Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love: this is the eternal rule." Self-loathing will never bring about mental purity, but calmness and self-compassion will.
Self-understanding removes imposed conditioning, which is artificial and mechanical. When we tell ourselves we must do this and not eat that, we lose power over our free will, which causes us to get off track.
Self-compassion encompasses three core components
The first is self-kindness vs. self-judgment, or treating yourself gently during difficult times, just as you would someone you love.
The second component of self-compassion is the recognition of common humanity, a reminder that imperfection is a shared human condition. This understanding fosters a sense of connection, making us feel less isolated in our struggles and more united in our journey toward health and fitness.
The third component is mindfulness vs overidentification, meaning the awareness of present emotions without "overidentifying" with or ruminating on them.
When self-understanding breaks the bonds of imposed conditions, we focus more on our health without comparison or judgment. When this happens, we automatically choose to eat healthily and stay active because we care deeply about our well-being on all levels: body, mind, and soul. Therefore, self-compassion may help us promote healthy goal-setting and better adherence to healthy lifestyle choices.
Practicing self-compassion promotes an acceptance of personal shortcomings and the understanding that mistakes are a part of the human experience. Self-compassion helps us to overcome our failures and get back on track.
So be kind to yourself, remember that all humans make mistakes, and be mindful by accepting present emotions without letting them control you. By doing this, you will discover how self-compassion can help you stay healthy in body, mind, and soul.
Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace
For books, classes, consultations, and more, click here.
Dr Lynn Anderson, Naturopath Yoga Therapist Karma Master
Doctor Lynn is a Naturopath, yoga nutrition therapist, fitness professional, karma master, published author, international speaker and video producer with over 40 years’ experience in the field of natural health and fitness. She has been featured in Redbook, Reader’s Digest, Huffington Post, Shape, SELF and various other national publications, TV networks and Podcasts. She is the author and producer of the Soul Walking series; Karma, Prosperity, Vitality and The Naturopathic Wellness Series; The Yoga of Nutrition and Recipes for Health, Sex, Happiness and Love; and Doctor Lynn’s Proactive-Aging Workouts; DVDs and TV with international distribution; CEC author, Burnout – it happens to all of us.
