With the pandemic raging on I often wonder how people of 14th century Europe handled the Black Death- besides the fear, pandemonium and religious extremism- which seem all very relatable these days.
It’s been awhile since my last blog post. The past few months has been tough. Learning how to cope in a non-destructive way takes time and persistence- it’s like a learning process to ‘unlearn’ all the maladaptive behaviors.
Surviving each day by taking one step at a time is key -though there are days where those dark clouds and storms still rear their ugly head. Or intrusive thoughts drives me to the fringes of sanity.
Currently doing my Thesis on Self-Compassion and Mindfulness; which has been a journey in itself. A journey of self-discovery.
Studying with depression is tricky and there are days where getting out of bed is the biggest challenge of all! (Of course, overcoming writer’s block is the other!!) =(
Mindfulness is being aware of the present moment; be it thought, action, body senses (i.e sights, smells, etc.) while having a non-judgemental attitude towards it.
Self-compassion is more than just ‘loving oneself’, but also accepting of one’s failures, inadequacies and shortcomings. It also differs from self-indulgent or self-pity.
Thus, the one thing I’m learning in my battle with depression is ….
**BE KIND TO YOURSELF!**
Which may seem straightforward or logical, but it ‘magically disappears’ when my mindset setting goes back to ‘Default’ – and all the negativity comes back.
So, learn to cultivate self-compassion as part of your daily routine (e.g. could be through morning or evening meditation or posting sticky notes at your desk or mirror as a kind reminder).
2021 is around the corner, but there’s no guarantee it will be better- historical pandemics seem to last at least 2 years! Change is inevitable, some for the better and others not (like economy and politics!). But Self-Compassion should remain ‘constant’…like Homeostasis 😉
EvnikiA 