This is the last of a series on calming the mind with self-compassion in the 21st century. We discussed how the old part of the brain works and takes priority when we feel threatened. And, how the actions we take when our amygdala (the emotional center of the brain) takes over and causes us shame, embarrassment, and self-criticism. Below are 3 ways you can incorporate Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) and at the same time, calm your brain.
This first suggestion, a very simple one, is to take a ‘pause’ to check in with our bodily experience. Self-compassion offers us the chance to pay attention to our own experience.
Secondly, name the internal experience; what is the emotion being felt, what thought is driving it.
Third, take a deep breath. A deep, slow breath deactivates the threat system and puts your system back into the calming part of your system. This brings your smart, newer brain online and opens up the options for responding greatly. Although this seems so easy and simple; it is actually simple but not easy.
There are other ways MSC can help; I hope you’ll try this and see just how powerful MSC can be. Look for future blogs to learn more ways Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) can support your ability to live more calmly and with less self-criticism.
This is part of a series on Calming the Mind with Self Compassion. Read Part 1 here: https://www.denettemann.com/what-triggers-our-fight-flight-and-freeze-response. Read Part 2 here: https://www.denettemann.com/dealing-with-the-minds-threat-system.
