Episode 112: Cultivating Self-Compassion | Unity Spiritual Center Denver | 10.8.23

Unity Spiritual Center Denver

To become one with all that we are is to turn toward all that we experience in life. Some aspects of our experience are more challenging than others and our human tendency to criticize ourselves when we are struggling is not helpful. A growing body of evidence suggests that learning to replace relentless self-criticism with greater self- compassion and care supports us in meeting the fullness of our experience with greater ease.
From a spiritual perspective, we know that we are forever supported in this process by the power and presence of Divine Love that resides within us, in Spirit.
Unity has long taught the power our thoughts have on our experience. Prayer and meditation are taught as the most accelerated use of that power as we purposely focus our mind/thoughts on that Divine Presence within and all around us.
Spending time in the Silence allows these ideas to permeate all levels of our consciousness. We know that taking time to ground in the depth of Spirit deepens this connection, and supports greater physical and mental well -being. As a result we experience, greater creativity, peace, presence, and patience.
As our awareness that 'we are spiritual beings having a human experience' continues to expand, so do the opportunities to learn how to better integrate our spirituality with our humanity in practical and meaningful ways.
Additionally, we are learning more about how our more primitive brain operates in ways that can make this connection seem illusive and even result in our turning on ourselves when we need care and compassion the most. The good news is that we can learn to cultivate greater self- compassion.
The tools offered via the mindful self- compassion approach developed by Drs. Kerstin Neff and Christopher Germer are proving to be very helpful in this endeavor. Of course, we still have to choose to foster this connection, which in and of itself is an act of self- compassion.