This year, the Center for Mindful Self Compassion (https://centerformsc.org/) is hosting the first annual International Self Compassion Day. The theme is “Celebrating Common Humanity” and they suggest these 5 ways to mark the day:
- Start your morning off with a hand on your heart and one-minute of affectionate breathing for yourself and the world. Set your intention of self-compassion for the day. This will help center you and keep you connected to what matters.
- Connect with a friend and share an appreciation or encouraging message. Send a text, make a phone call, write an email or handwrite a letter. Invite them to join you to watch and practice with our community on Saturday.
- Go for a walk in a public area and hold a smile the same way you would an exercise repetition, one minute of smiling, two minutes of savoring. Repeat five times and notice the extra smiles that come your way. Common Humanity in action.
- Take a break to enjoy a favorite hobby or activity that brings you joy. Taking time for joy is essential for everyone’s well-being.
- Sign up for International Self-Compassion Day and celebrate with us in community. Even if you can’t attend live, signing up gives you access to the entire recording for seven days following the event—a perfect way to keep your practice going on your schedule. It also gifts another person in need with a scholarship to join.
Seeing unity in our diversity through self-compassion reminds us that we are not alone, that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, encounters difficulties in life, and that by practicing self-compassion in community, we recognize that “Everyone has the wish to be loved.” Celebrating International Self-Compassion Day is ultimately about honoring and nurturing yourself with kindness and mindfulness. Self-compassion is not about self-indulgence or avoiding responsibilities; it’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend in need.
How will you celebrate self compassion? These are things you could really do any day (or every day!)