Discovering Your ‘Why,’ Embracing Self-Compassion, and Mastering Mindfulness
Category: Healthy Mind
In our final episode of this mindset wellness series we’ll be getting into something transformative—discovering your ‘why,’ embracing self-compassion, and mastering mindfulness. These aren’t just concepts; they’re the game-changers for lasting wellness so get ready for a read that’s going to shift your perspective and elevate your journey to a whole new level! Are you ready for this?
If we’re not aware of what our biggest reason is for wanting better health, it’s really difficult to get and stay motivated to change or do anything about our current state so we need to ask ourselves a very important question: Why do we want to be healthier?
Is it to be more energetic for your kids? To look better in a bathing suit? Maybe you need to look less frumpy and more professional, perhaps you’re looking to live a longer, more fulfilling life? Maybe you’re like me where you just got sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Your ‘why’ is your North Star—We need it to guide and inspire every step of our journey, so I’d love it if you’d do me a favor by sharing your ‘why’ in the comments below. It might inspire others and I’d love to know what drives you!
Okay, let’s do something different by making this a little bit interactive. I’d like for you to grab a piece of paper or you can open up a note on your phone, and write down what your biggest ‘why’ is.
Once you’ve written down your reason or why, share that in the comments and the reason I’m asking you to do that is because this can help you feel more connected to your goals and boost your motivation.
Now, let’s talk about self-compassion—that’s a secret weapon in your wellness toolkit that a lot of us don’t even think or know about.
It’s not about letting yourself off the hook, far from; it’s about treating yourself with kindness instead of beating yourself up, especially when things don’t go as planned.
Research shows that people who practice self-compassion are more resilient and successful in achieving their goals. Imagine if, instead of being your own stern critic and internal nemesis, you became your own biggest cheerleader. How would that change your approach to those challenges you’re facing? Right?
So here’s a quick exercise we can do together. Think of a recent moment when you were hard on yourself. Now, take a deep breath, and in the comments, type out a kind and supportive message that you’d offer a friend who’s in that very same situation. What would you say to them? Let’s turn the chat into a hub full of positivity and self-love—how great would it be to see that kind of energy here from all of us?
So to back up a little bit, we’ve talked a lot about mindfulness, about being present and aware of your experiences over the last 4 weeks, but what if this is all new to you and you don’t know how to do that?
No problem, let’s try a unique mindfulness practice right now, and if you can’t do it in very this moment that’s okay, come back to this later on when you can fully relax for just a few minutes.
I’d like for you to find a comfortable position and just follow my lead. Ready? You might have to read through this next part first for have someone read it out loud to you, or record it to yourself to try later but when you’re ready, close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, feel your chest rise, and then exhale slowly through your mouth as your chest relaxes. Keep going with that while letting go of any tension with each and every exhale.
Now, as you’re doing that, I want for you to focus on the subtle sounds around you. Maybe you hear the hum of your computer or the fridge, the chirping of birds in the neighborhood, a dog barking in the distance, the wind blowing the leaves around in the trees…. let these sounds anchor you into the present moment.
Next, shift your focus to your body…and notice the areas where your body is touching the surface you’re resting on, and become aware of these points of contact. Pay attention to the texture of the material beneath you and any sensations you feel such as warmth or coolness, is there a breeze? Notice how your body’s weight is distributed and any subtle shifts in pressure that occur as you become more relaxed.
Be aware of any areas of tension or relaxation and just simply observe them without any judgment, and as you breathe, focus on the rise and fall of your chest. Let any distractions fade away, and allow yourself to fully immerse in this sensation. Keep bringing yourself back to your surroundings when your mind wanders, (and it will) and enjoy the calm that mindfulness is bringing to you…bask in it for as long as you possibly can.
This complete sensory awareness helps deepen your mindfulness practice and connects you more fully to the present moment. Doesn’t this feel nice? And the beautiful part of this is that you can use this mindfulness technique a few times a day or whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed. This approach not only helps you to stay centered but it also gives you a clearer perspective on your day.
Regular practice can make a world of difference in your journey like it did for Robert, a father of two. He used his ‘why’ to stay motivated, practiced mindfulness like we just did now and he learned how to be more self-compassionate with himself. Thanks to all of that his transformation was so incredible, I wish I had time to go into it!
And then there’s Roland, the marathon runner who faced a serious leg injury. Through self-compassion and mindfulness, he not only recovered but he even set a new personal record. These guys have proven to themselves what the power of combining their motivations with compassion and mindfulness will do!
Remember, self-compassion and mindfulness are your invisible but not imaginary friends on this journey. It’s not about perfection; it’s about being kind to yourself and staying present.
So as we wrap it all up, I would love to know what inspired you today! What’s one key point from today’s read that you’re ready to apply to your life? Drop it in the chat and let’s cheer each other on!
Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey, it’s been amazing and the fact that you’re still reading this tell me that you’re truly committed to wellness and that’s so inspiring to me, thank you for that! Stay tuned for more tips and insights, until next week, take care and stay mindful my friends!
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