Countdown to Christmas: 12/6/23 — “Practice Self-Compassion.”

This year my Countdown to Christmas is a nontraditional Advent Calendar centering (pun intended) on mindfulness.

On the front of each card is neat little picture, and on the back are the instructions for the short meditation.

Today, the 6th Day of Advent … “PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION.”

Here are today’s instructions:

With presents to buy, social engagements to meet and family commitments to think about, we spend so much time thinking of what we could do for others that anxiety can creep in. Sometimes we may lay awake at night worrying about our own shortcomings or the little things that didn’t go as pianned.

It is important not to lose sight of yourself, and to give yourself credit for your positive qualities.

This evening, exercise some mindful self-compassion by writing down three things that you did well today.

You are free to write what you want – it could be that you did a good job, that you ate well or exercised well, or were a good friend or caring family member to somebody – anything at all from the day that you feel that you did well.

It doesn’t matter whether the things you write are big and important or small and insignificant. The only goal is to spend time thinking about yourself in a positive light.

Praise yourself. Be as kind to yourself as you would to a dear friend.

This task requires us to focus on the positives of the day rather than the negatives, and helps to promote a happier and healthier relationship with ourselves.