Blog@Mindfulness and Self-Compassion

Most of us take on the role of a caregiver either at home or as a profession. We usually start our role with high ideals to support, to make a difference, but along the road, over time, we become overwhelmed, and we begin to lose our enthusiasm and motivation to care. More recently, it has been pointed out, that "compassion fatigue" is actually a misnomer and that it should be renamed “empathy distress fatigue”.

Our most important relationship is the one we are having with our self. We can give to ourselves the acceptance and the affection that we are so much wanting to receive from others. And when we offer ourselves kindness and love our life is changed for the better! Befriending ourselves is the practice of self-compassion.

“Compassion is aimed at the alleviation of suffering – that of others or ourselves – and can be ferocious as well as tender” Kristin Neff.

As a professional, it can be difficult at times to maintain our enthusiasm and dedication for a higher standard of service delivery in the face of increasing demands and pressures in our work place. You probably have entered the profession with a passion for helping others, but years later your compassion may have faded a little, experiencing more fatigue. Sometimes, we may grow resentful at the inadequacies of the organizations. Burnout can present itself in various ways; maybe feeling less effective, questioning, doubting ourselves, becoming less tolerant of our colleagues, feeling isolated or dissatisfied.