I read the book ‘Illusions’ by Richard Bach in my 20’s and this quote struck a chord in me. I was inhaling spiritual teachings from wherever I could (pre-internet!) and this seemed to me to be the golden ticket to fast track my growth.
I was already soul searching in my quiet moments, striving for freedom from my past hurts and imperfections. From this close range (and over analytical mind!) I couldn’t find my answer...
So I went around surveying my friends, “What would you say you most learn by having me in your life?”, I would ask.
It is hilarious to me now that I actually thought I could get an answer to this deep soul question from the outside!
I stumbled around for another 20 years I’d say before my mind quieted enough to let me ‘hear’ my heart... what I heard was “be kind to yourself”.
I could finally see how remembering to be kind and gentle, to have compassion for self amongst the trials of human life, has been a journey I’ve both witnessed in my mother and experienced for myself.
Being self critical is judgement - which causes opposition, closes our heart to growth possibilities, and limits the fullness of expression in the moment.
On the other hand, when we hold a compassionate space for ourselves we don’t create filters and restrictions to the manifestation of life, we can keep our hearts open to the whole, and continue to grow.
It has taken years, but through walking the Biodynamic path of Osteopathic study, I’m now able to more often than not, smile at my inner critic and stay more heart centred and self compassionate.
From this place we’re in flow with life, we arrive at possibilities rather than obstacles, leading to less stress and physical manifestations in our bodies.
I’m now teaching about self compassion more by example, rather than through non expression, and also directly by reminding you to be kind to yourself and stay open hearted.
It’s a wonderful place to hear the story your body has to tell, and shine your light in the world with more ease.