Self-Compassion and Meditation
Written by Jude Johnson, MA, LMFT According to neuroscience, our brains our wired to focus on the negative as a survival strategy, so we are more likely to obsess over a snide remark made by a colleague, than we are to focus on a compliment given to us moments later. If we are in physical pain, we are likely to focus intently on what hurts, rather than surrounding parts of the body that are at ease. Since we are wired to judge and focus on the negative, we can find some relief by showing more compassion to ourselves when we recognize this familiar pattern. Kristin Neff, Ph.D., has pioneered research on self-compassion and notes three major components: 1. Having a sense of friendly and kind attention to...