Burnout and self-criticism. Believe it or not, those two things often go hand-in-hand. In today’s meditation, Kate James explains that sometimes when we’re exhausted we might tend to blame ourselves. Maybe we pushed through when we shouldn’t have. Or we waited too long to seek help. Or if we had only done a better job of not overloading our schedules. I call it the “shouldas”, as in, “I shoulda done this,” or “I shoulda done it that way.” Kate says that, internally, we understand that we’re doing the best we can to get by but there’s always a bit of self-doubt or self-criticism that creeps into our thoughts, holding us hostage.
During the session with Kate, she leads us through a body-scan exercise. Like the previous lessons, we’re not supposed to ‘fix’ anything. We’re just supposed to notice what we’re feeling at the moment. She says that when we feel “wired and tired” at the same time it’s probably because our nervous systems are always on high alert. By only observing any sensations in our bodies, without judging or changing anything, we’re learning to sit with what we feel. Nothing else is necessary.
Then Kate asks us to turn outward, to think of others who may be experiencing burnout and exhaustion. She encourages us to send thoughts of love and compassion to them, to let them know that we understand, and that we wish them well. At this point Kate turns the tables and asks us to return to ourselves, to focus some of that kindness on ourselves. With a hand on our hearts and one on our bellies, she offers these words:
“I’m here for you. And this has been a difficult time. And I’m going to start to take small steps to practice self-kindness.”
Kate asks us to notice how we feel after hearing those comforting words. She poses this question, “What is different when you meet yourself with kindness?” She goes on to explain that research shows that treating ourselves with compassion is one of the best ways to beat burnout and relieve stress. I’m not surprised but I feel that it’s also one of the hardest things to do. We don’t always remember that we’re worthy of self-compassion and self-care. I tend to feel guilty for taking a little time to “do nothing”! Although I will say that the one thing I do every single day for myself is meditate. (Today is Day 421!) It’s my time – to decompress, to gear up for the day, to let go of stress, or to find clarity. It’s the self-care that I need for me and it works better than anything else I’ve ever tried.
How did you feel after today’s session? How do you care for yourself? I’d love to know your thoughts and practices.
I hope you have a beautiful day.
#10dayburnout&exhaustionchallenge
#youareworthy
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Wholeness Health and YOU! 