Many people struggle with being kind to themselves, even during loving-kindness meditation. Here’s a method that might make it easier.
Imagine you could travel back in time and hold yourself as a newborn just moments after birth. Picture cradling that tiny body in your hands, seeing this little being so new to the world and full of potential.
What would you want for this tiny version of yourself? Likely, you’d wish for them to grow up healthy and happy, to be resilient in the face of life’s challenges, and to become a kind and ethical person.
How would you feel in that moment? Love? Protectiveness? Joy? Care? Awe?
You probably wouldn’t feel any anger or resentment toward this newborn version of yourself. Any blame? Doubtful.
Fortunately, you don’t need a time machine to experience this. This is a form of self-compassion, where you hold your being in awareness, treating yourself with care, tenderness, and appreciation. Accept yourself as you are, see yourself as new in every moment, and wish the best for yourself.
The next time you’re feeling hurt, unsure, anxious, or ashamed, try imagining that the part of you that’s in pain is like a tiny baby needing comfort. Give yourself loving attention. Treat yourself with tenderness and kindness.
Approaching yourself in this compassionate way makes it easier to be genuinely compassionate toward others as well. Self-compassion isn’t selfish—it’s the first step in being truly kind to all beings.