“Facing the abyss, the turmoil of loneliness, our response is self-compassion.”
Edith D Johnston PhD LPC
Not being heard; not being accepted; feeling all alone, creates a hollowness, an emptiness inside. Not seeing results, or outcomes that matter leaves us hanging. The experience can be confusion and pain from all the suffering, injustices, and chaos in the world. Grief can be dominant in our lives because of the loss of loved ones, losses in the world, and loss of self-expression. The void seems to be ever present.
Part of our experience is because of our sensitivities to the happenings in the world, the environment and to people around us. We feel and love with intensity. Our losses, grief, and pain are also very intense. This can be for moments at a time or be a consistent undercurrent.
Having compassion for ourselves like we have for others is very important. Nurturing our body, mind, and spirit is paramount. Self-care needs to be part of our daily routine. Self-care takes many forms. Identifying what is self-care lets us consciously include it in our schedule. Reaching out for support and conversations like we suggest for others is self-compassion.
It takes only a small amount of light to find a form to the void or see the ledge within the abyss. We can acknowledge our need to fill the emptiness and connect. Integrating all that we are in how see ourselves is a factor. Expressing our talents and passions with definite results is another factor. Self-compassion and expression gives us the ability to see and connect with light in the vast darkness.
One small action begins the motion that contains or morphs the void. There is a spark of light, hope, comfort within reach.
What has been your experience? How do you practice self-compassion? Share in the comments. Let’s connect.