Self-Compassion as a Parent

Parenthood is full of new experiences. Moments of love, awe, fatigue, and uncertainty. There's no handbook for this. You're learning as you go. This self-compassion practice is an opportunity for you to release some judgment around how you're doing, and offer yourself some care and kindness instead. So just closing your eyes, or lowering your gaze, and taking a slow deep breath in, and sighing it out. Now reflect on a recent moment that felt hard. Maybe a meltdown, a mistake, a moment you wish had gone differently. Notice how it feels in the body as you reflect. Now, gently rest a hand on your heart, and silently say, "That was tough. I'm human, and I'm learning." Take another slow and steady breath, and let's try offering ourselves the same kindness that we would give to a friend. So repeating after me. "May I be patient with myself today. May I trust that I am growing. May I rest in knowing that I care deeply. And again, may I be patient with myself today. May I trust that I am growing. May I rest in knowing that I care deeply." And when you're ready, gently opening your eyes if they were closed. Come back to this practice anytime you need a moment of self-compassion. You got this....