If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete. – Buddha
Often times we get injured or undergo surgery and we find ourselves pushing to get better. We forget the orders of the Doctor or Therapist and create more pain and inflammation. We just want to be back to where we were, pain free and living our lives. What about seeing this situation of healing differently? What about learning to listen to our bodies and giving ourselves the time it takes to fully heal physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually? Listening and slowing down could be the start of compassion for yourself.
I find my job as a Physical Therapist is to deeply listen to the patient and create a space for healing to occur. Bringing in awareness of posture, gait deviations, muscle imbalances, weakness, strengths, tightness, laxity and body mechanics helps to guide that patient towards their own healing. Often times by listening deeply to the patient, I can hear in their voice sadness, frustration, anger, and hopelessness. Emotions that need to be heard and supported. Knowing you are heard and supported in your healing process can help you on your path to compassion for yourself.
One technique which helps clients bring more compassion to themselves is to bring awareness to the breath. Most patients in the push phase are shallow breathers (chest only). Deeper breathing helps to bring awareness to those painful places and sends information to the brain of calmness and ease.
Try this when you feel the need to push the process of healing:
- Place one hand on your belly and the other hand on your heart
Breathe in through your nose. Feel the belly hand rise first and then heart hand. - Pause, hold the breath for 3 counts.
- Then release the breath out of your mouth slowly with control, emptying the chest first and then the stomach until you feel the stomach area contract slightly.
- Pause and repeat 5 X.
Give yourself the time and space to heal. Develop compassion for yourself starting with the breath.