by Misako Lauritzen
We all do it. Sometimes we are so mean to ourselves. In our frustration we say to ourselves things like:
”I'm so stupid.”
”I'm such a bad mother.”
”I can't do anything right.”
"No wonder no one likes me.”
Think about what you often say to yourself. There are probably a couple of phrases that you use on a bad day.
Now I want you to think of your loved ones, one or two people in your life who are dearest to you. I want you to imagine them in trouble and suffering. Would you use these phrases on them?
"Oh my goodness, of course not!”
You would say, but why not? You say these things to yourself all the time.
You will never say these things to people that you love, because these are horrible things to say to anyone, let alone people whom you love. You do not use them against anyone, because they are as harmful as any deadly weapon. They harm our souls.
So next time you have the urge to use them against yourself, take a moment to imagine in front of your eyes your friend, child, anyone who is precious to you. Imagine saying to them the same words you were going to say to yourself.
You probably won't be able to bring yourself to do it. Good. Don't. Instead practice kindness. If it were your friend, you would give her a hug. You would hold her and comfort her, saying, ”You are doing great. There is nothing wrong here. Everything will be O.K.”
Practicing kindness is a path to happiness, and it really starts with being kind to yourself. Whenever you feel the urge to be harsh with yourself, take a moment, close your eyes if you need to. In your mind give yourself a hug, pat yourself on the back, and tell yourself that you are doing beautifully.
Please practice this for yourself, people in your life, and the world, because kindness, love and peace on earth will not be achieved as long as you are not kind, loving, and peaceful with yourself.
We all do it. Sometimes we are so mean to ourselves. In our frustration we say to ourselves things like:
”I'm so stupid.”
”I'm such a bad mother.”
”I can't do anything right.”
"No wonder no one likes me.”
Think about what you often say to yourself. There are probably a couple of phrases that you use on a bad day.
Now I want you to think of your loved ones, one or two people in your life who are dearest to you. I want you to imagine them in trouble and suffering. Would you use these phrases on them?
"Oh my goodness, of course not!”
You would say, but why not? You say these things to yourself all the time.
You will never say these things to people that you love, because these are horrible things to say to anyone, let alone people whom you love. You do not use them against anyone, because they are as harmful as any deadly weapon. They harm our souls.
So next time you have the urge to use them against yourself, take a moment to imagine in front of your eyes your friend, child, anyone who is precious to you. Imagine saying to them the same words you were going to say to yourself.
You probably won't be able to bring yourself to do it. Good. Don't. Instead practice kindness. If it were your friend, you would give her a hug. You would hold her and comfort her, saying, ”You are doing great. There is nothing wrong here. Everything will be O.K.”
Practicing kindness is a path to happiness, and it really starts with being kind to yourself. Whenever you feel the urge to be harsh with yourself, take a moment, close your eyes if you need to. In your mind give yourself a hug, pat yourself on the back, and tell yourself that you are doing beautifully.
Please practice this for yourself, people in your life, and the world, because kindness, love and peace on earth will not be achieved as long as you are not kind, loving, and peaceful with yourself.
