Self compassion is for losers too - that’s you and me.

Self-compassion directs kindness towards the self that struggles, wins, loses, soars, crashes, hopes and fears. Unlike self-pity, it doesn't wallow. It comforts but it also cheers you on.

Try: Pledge to bring self compassion both to the self that struggles and loses and to the self that competes and wins.

True Friend, online course

TRUE FRIEND, 15-lesson online course on self compassion - pay by donation: set your own price. Sometimes the loudest voice in the mind is the harsh self-critic but you can turn down the volume with self compassion. Student comments include ' ... a life saver ...' ' ... has helped me enormously ...' ' ... super easy to use and follow.' More about this course

Other online courses: Climate Hope | Easy Mindfulness

Yesterday's Daily Bell

Nothing is easier or less rewarding than thinking about something you want or need to do instead of getting started on it. It's tempting to procrastinate because the first step seems so little compared to the dream. An Irish proverb says ‘Every beginning is weak’ (Bíonn gach tosú lag). It means you need to get started however unpromising that first step may look.

Try: What have you been putting off that you need or want to do? What would be the smallest first step you could take to get started?

The proverb is from Fiann O Nuallain’s forthcoming book ‘52 Proverbs to build resilience against anxiety and panic - Irish holistic wisdom’ (Mercier Press).

*No. 3 in this week's non-fiction sales (Irish Times)
Acceptance - Create Change and Move Forward

I read the book from start to finish and I think it might change my life. Ray D'Arcy on RTÉ Radio

My new book, Acceptance - create change and move forward, is available in bookshops and online. Acceptance can not only bring peacefulness but clears a space for movement in our lives. Chapter headings include: Acceptance and relationships; Accepting Uncertainty; Accepting Our Bodies, Sexuality and Gender ;Acceptance In Conflict; The Acceptance Dynamic.

You can order at this link (The Book Depository, free postage worldwide).

Easy Mindfulness Online Course

15-lesson course on all aspects of mindfulness - Pay by donation: set your own price. Enhance your life-experience and lower stress with this, my longest-running online course. More about this course

Other online courses: True Friend self compassion | Climate Hope

How I use the Daily Bell

"The daily bell sets me up for the day. I read it on waking and it helps me to start my day in a positive, kind, compassionate way. I remind myself all the time about what I read. It is a great help in self regulation." KL

Resources

YouTube Channel

My monthly newsletter: Simple ways to lower stress

Blog

Mindfulness audios

Books

Visiting? If you'd like to get the Daily Bell's goodness (it's better than cereal) in your inbox every day, you can see some samples here.