Like a clear, still pool without ripples, mindfulness mirrors what’s occurring without distortion so that we can gain perspective on ourselves and our lives.

Sure, it’s good to be kind and giving to others, but kindness must also be balanced so that it includes ourselves. If it doesn’t, this generosity only serves a patriarchal system where women aren’t considered valuable in their own right, as full and equal participants.

By letting go of identification with the self who knows things and controls things, I feel lighter inside—both in terms of feeling less bogged down and feeling more full of light.

According to my model, self-compassion is comprised of three main elements: mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness.

Workplaces that don’t prioritize the welfare of employees can easily become hostile environments, with self-serving bosses, corrosive office politics, sexual harassment, psychological abuse, even workplace violence. Laboring in uncaring work settings decreases morale, increases stress, and leads to depression.

If fierceness comes from a place of protecting one’s sense of self-worth, it can become emotionally violent.

soothe yourself because of this difficult experience. Try placing a hand over the part of your body that feels uncomfortable and feel the warmth and gentle touch of your hand.

Can you make space for the reality that we can’t always be fulfilled, that we can’t always meet our needs the way we want to?

Compassion is predicated on the idea that all conscious beings are intrinsically worthy of humane treatment.