Be kind to yourself from "summary" of A Beginner's Guide to Meditation by Rod Meade Sperry,Editors of the Shambhala Sun
When we speak of being kind to ourselves in the practice of meditation, we are talking about cultivating a sense of gentleness, compassion, and understanding towards our own experience. This means treating ourselves with the same care and concern that we would offer to a close friend or loved one. It means acknowledging our own humanity, with all its flaws, vulnerabilities, and imperfections, and offering ourselves the same level of patience and acceptance that we would extend to another. Being kind to ourselves in meditation also involves recognizing that we are not perfect, and that we will inevitably encounter challenges, obstacles, and setbacks along the way. Instead of berating ourselves or getting discouraged when things don't go as planned, we can learn to approach ourselves with a sense of curiosity, openness, and forgiveness. This allows us to let go of self-judgment and self-criticism, and to cultivate a greater sense of self-compassion and self-love. In the context of meditation, being kind to ourselves means approaching our practice with a sense of lightness, playfulness, and humor. It means not taking ourselves too seriously or getting caught up in rigid expectations or goals. Instead, we can learn to relax into the present moment, to be gentle with ourselves when our minds wander or our bodies ache, and to approach our practice with a spirit of curiosity, exploration, and wonder.- Being kind to ourselves in meditation is about developing a deep sense of connection and intimacy with our own inner experience. It is about learning to befriend ourselves, to trust ourselves, and to care for ourselves in a way that is nurturing, supportive, and loving. This kind of self-compassion can transform our relationship with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us, allowing us to live with greater ease, joy, and freedom.
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