Wellbeing

Wellbeing Literacy Leader / Acting Assitant Principal  - Emily Murcott

Self Compassion

I am looking around and listening to what is being said in our RHPS community, and many families are finding this lockdown the most challenging so far. There are many reasons for this and we are all on our own journey, experiencing a mixed array of emotions.

One thing I'd like to ask you as a parent or guardian is, consider yourself and how you are traveling. Be honest with yourself and recognise what you need right now. Self-compassion is something that we are not, as a society, great at. We are fabulous at being compassionate towards our family, our friends, and our associates. We take the time to listen to others, we give them our love and support, we call them to check-in, we email or send a card sharing positive thoughts, we might even drop something into their letterbox to lift their spirits and let them know that we are thinking about them.   In all this time, we don't stop and consider ourselves. So right now as you are reading along, I want you to stop and ask yourself.....

How am I traveling? Take the time to actually consider this. 

Everyone has a different response, and we are all on different journeys. Now that you have taken the time to consider this, now really think about the next question.... 

                       “What is the kindest thing you can do for yourself right now?”

Do you need to go for a walk? Do you need to put your children in front of the TV for 30 minutes and you enjoy a quiet cuppa? Do you need to sit in the sunshine and feel the warmth of the sun rays on your back? Do you need to call a friend or family member? Do you need to read a book for a short time?  Or maybe it is one of the things on the list below. 

Whatever it is, take the opportunity to be kind to yourself. If your friend came to you and was feeling as you do, what would you encourage them to do?...... So, what are you waiting for? Go and be kind to yourself!

Kristin Neff, PhD, self-compassion expert and associate professor of human development at the University of Texas in Austin says,

Self-compassion is a practice of goodwill, not good feelings… With self-compassion we mindfully accept that the moment is painful, and embrace ourselves with kindness and care in response, remembering that imperfection is part of the shared human experience. (Neff, 2019)

You are important, and to be the best person you can be, you need to look after yourself first. 

From Piglet to Pooh Bear

"Today was a Difficult Day," said Pooh.

There was a pause.

"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Piglet.

"No," said Pooh after a bit. "No, I don't think I do."

"That's okay," said Piglet, and he came and sat beside his friend.

"What are you doing?" asked Pooh.

"Nothing, really," said Piglet. "Only, I know what Difficult Days are like. I quite often don't feel like talking about it on my Difficult Days either.

"But goodness," continued Piglet, "Difficult Days are so much easier when you know you've got someone there for you. And I'll always be here for you, Pooh."

And as Pooh sat there, working through in his head his Difficult Day, while the solid, reliable Piglet sat next to him quietly, swinging his little legs...he thought that his best friend had never been more right."

A.A. Milne

Sending thoughts to those having a Difficult Day today and hope you have your own Piglet to sit beside you 🧡