In our Sunday Introduction to Meditation Class at Yoga Bliss we explored one of  Dr. Christopher Germer‘s “mindful self compassion” practices.  We began creating a state of mindfulness by feeling the six points of posture in our bodies.  Taking time at the beginning of a seated meditation period to adjust our position and build stability.  We used Dr. Germer’s guidance to cultivate a soft, allowing, loving attitude toward our bodies:  a mindful attitude.

He suggests we try his Soften, Allow and Love practice.  He explains that when we soften around our physical discomforts we might avoid the tendency to tense up and reject our experience.  Allowing refers to letting thoughts come and go without judging ourselves for their occurrence or content.  Cultivating self love and compassion can encourage us to respond to difficult feelings with tenderness.  I like the way he incorporates breathing, gestures and words or “mantras.”  You put your hand on your heart and breathe . . . direct love to any part of your being in distress . . . silently say soften, allow or love, love, love . . . Most of us would be happy to do this for a fretting child or elder in our care.  How willing are we to do this for ourselves?

Dr. Germer and Dr. Kristin Neff cofounded the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion.  They’ve been teaching and researching the benefits of repeatedly evoking good will toward ourselves especially when we’re suffering and cultivating the same desire that all living beings have to live happily and free from suffering.  The technique is being used to help all kinds of people in distress:  at-risk youth, veterans,  people suffering with chronic illness and pain.

Self-compassion involves responding to these difficult thoughts and feelings with kindness, sympathy and understanding so that we soothe and comfort ourselves when we’re hurting. Research has shown that self-compassion greatly enhances emotional wellbeing. It boosts happiness, reduces anxiety and depression, and can even help maintain healthy lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise. Being both mindful and compassionate leads to greater ease and well-being in our daily lives.

It’s funny – I found myself waking up in the dark pre-dawn hours not quite awake, sensing there was something I had to do (this belated post).  The words seem to surface from somewhere deep inside:  soften, allow, love . . . soften, allow, love . . .  How cool is that?  I think it opened something up in me which is helping me open to the world.  A few days later I embraced one my favorite trees. I’ve been softening, allowing and loving her energy a little bit more with each visit.   I introduced her to my husband, Tim, today.  Visualizing him leaning into my friend – I feel so much love.