November 13 was World Kindness Day — a perfect reminder that kindness is not just something we share outwardly with others, but also a gift we can offer ourselves.
Cultivating kindness is one of the most powerful things we can do for our own well-being, and self-compassion plays an essential part in that.
Kindness and Self-Compassion: What’sthe Difference?
Kindness is the action: offering care, patience, or gentleness to ourselves or others.
Self-compassion is the attitude: how we relate to ourselves in moments of struggle, with understanding instead of judgment, care instead of criticism.
In other words, self-compassion turns kindness inward.
It’s choosing to speak to yourself as you would to a dear friend when things don’t go as planned.
“Self-compassion — treating ourselves with kindness and understanding in the face of our mistakes and failures.”
A few years ago, when I led weekly Mindful Monday sessions at the Crestwood Library, one of the participants shared this definition with me. She had read it in The New York Times, printed it, and placed it on her desk. Maybe it will inspire you too.
This simple definition makes a lot of sense to me. It’s a gentle reminder to be less judgmental toward ourselves and toward others.
A Lesson from Reiki
In the system of Reiki, one of the five precepts is:
“Just for today… be kind to yourself and others.”
When I first heard these words in July 2015, something shifted inside me. It was as if someone had given me permission to finally be kind to myself.
For perfectionists, this isn’t always easy. Treating ourselves with kindness when things don’t go as planned — or when we fall short of a goal — can feel uncomfortable.
But we’re biologically wired to care. It’s part of being human.
A Gentle Invitation
So, just for today…
… How can you be more gentle with yourself?
… How can you be kind to yourself?
If this feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable, that’s okay. Many people experience this when they begin to slow down, practice mindfulness, and turn inward. That discomfort is your opportunity to practice self-compassion.
May you treat yourself with kindness and compassion today – and every day,
Andrea
About Andrea Deierlein & Thrive Reiki, LLC: Andrea's work specializes in helping people transform the pain of life challenges and daily adversity through the practice of Reiki. She helps people struggling with stress, anxiety and overwhelm, to relax, calm down and breathe again. Focusing on stress management and the mind-body-connection, her clients shift out of survival mode, build focus and resilience. Connect with her on www.thrivereiki.com or follow her on Instagram @andreadeierlein
