Be Kind...

Today is National Acts of Kindness Day (Saturday 17th February).

What does it mean to you to be kind to yourself and others?

Kindness for me is at the forefront of everything I do. I strive to always be kind towards anyone who comes into my orbit. You never know a person's story and what they might be carrying with them that day, week, month, year, lifetime! 

But, we must also be careful that our kindness towards others doesn't come at the detriment to the kindness towards ourselves. It's important to find a good balance.

I will confess, that self-kindness is something I have to work extremely hard at on a daily basis. This might be the case for you too? Think back to the last thing you said or did to yourself that was unkind - how recent was it? 

Now, imagine saying or doing that to someone else... 😬

The first Yama on Patanjali's eight-limbed path of yoga is Ahimsa. This means to live a life where every thought, word and action is rooted in nonviolence and kindness towards ourselves and others.
When we think, speak or act unkindly towards ourselves, we are causing ourselves harm. Most of us wouldn't dream of doing this to others, so why do we do it to ourselves?

Here are some ways we can cultivate a little more self-kindness and therefore ripple that out more authentically and effectively to others ❣️


• When you speak to yourself, let your words be a vehicle of kindness and encouragement. Notice the language you use, and ask yourself whether you would say this to someone else and how they would feel if you did! 
• Before you do something, be it agreeing to help a friend, or deciding on whether to complete a task on your to-do list or take some rest - whatever it might be, notice whether you are really taking the kinder option.
• Dig a little deeper and understand whether the thoughts, words and actions you manifest have come from a place of love for yourself, or fear about something (e.g. being judged, hurting someone's feelings, etc.)? 
• Practice some gentle yoga, a calming meditation practice, or take a soothing bath or mindful walk in nature - whenever we can carve out a little self-care, we cultivate kindness towards ourselves and replenish our capacity to give to others.
• Try journalling or speaking to a friend or professional therapist. Some things may come to light that perhaps you didn't realise about yourself, and you can learn how to truly heal you relationship with yourself - this is one of the kindest things we can do for ourselves. 

Stay kind Yogi!
Namaste
xxx

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