Embracing Self-Compassion: Lessons from Everyday Moments
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Chapter 1: The Heart of Connection
Recently, I stumbled upon an amusing revelation: my dad enjoys watching Shiba Inu videos on YouTube as a prelude to sleep. While he shared some clips with me, we encountered an especially endearing video featuring a dog and his elderly owner.
In this charming clip, the dog and his owner took a leisurely stroll around their neighborhood. What stood out was the dog's behavior—he would walk a few steps ahead, pause to glance back, wait for his owner to catch up, and then continue on. This simple yet profound routine of walking, pausing, and checking in was repeated throughout their journey.
Though it seems like a minor gesture, this act conveys a wealth of feelings: respect, affection, loyalty, and perhaps a touch of concern. Ultimately, even that concern is rooted in love.
This behavior isn’t exclusive to dogs. Busy parents often pause to ensure their little ones are safe, and older siblings frequently glance back to check on their younger siblings. Regardless of age, we all benefit from these moments when loved ones look back to see if we’re alright. It’s a universal expression of care.
The Essence of 'Love' in Japanese Culture
You might be intrigued to learn that the Japanese kanji for love originates from this very act of looking back. The character “ai” (愛) consists of three components: “ki” (木), which depicts a person turning back, “shin” (心) representing the heart, and “chi” (知) symbolizing the legs of a person. Thus, the kanji “ai” embodies the sentiment of looking back at someone cherished.
Chapter 2: The Challenge of Self-Compassion
As January rolls around, many experience a dip in feelings of love. This month is often associated with New Year’s resolutions, setting ambitious goals, and stepping beyond comfort zones. While striving for personal growth is commendable, it’s essential to balance ambition with self-compassion.
Neglecting to be kind to ourselves can lead to exhaustion, discouragement, and a lack of motivation. Goals that once seemed invigorating can start to feel insurmountable, and we may become more critical of ourselves, leading to feelings of isolation amidst challenges.
However, consistently practicing self-compassion allows us to avoid reaching our breaking point. We might need to slow down, take smaller steps, or pause for a moment, but this approach helps us find the strength to continue.
So, if you’ve been dedicated to self-improvement lately, remember to practice a bit of ‘ai’—take a moment to check in on yourself. Slowing down and ensuring your well-being, even if it’s just you caring for yourself, can significantly enhance your resilience when facing obstacles.
With warmth,
Kaki
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