There are times in life when the challenges in front of us are so LARGE we don't feel equipped to handle them.

It could be...

A new job

Moving to a new part of the country

Transitioning to a new phase of life

Ending a relationship

Living with an illness

Experiencing a loss

or any other challenging human experience

Whatever it is for YOU- this change is uncharted territory so your old patterns and strategies just don't feel like they are enough support.

That can leave you feeling like you are drowning in this new struggle, unable to get your feet under you.

But it is THAT very feeling of overwhelm (strong discomfort!!) that may push you into what I call a "SEEKING phase"

It is as if your brain says...

This experience is new and unfamiliar

I don't have the skills to navigate this

But it is important to me that I move forward so...

I had better seek out some new strategies and support systems so I CAN get through this

You may not have consciously thought about this process...most of the time it just happens.

You find yourself trying a new yoga class or meditation technique. You might get a book or listen to a podcast that offers guidance for your current life experience. You talk to a mentor with more experience in your field of work. You start seeing a licensed therapist or join a support group.

These are pieces of the SEEKING PHASE...you are seeking out what you NEED to GROW into this new version of you

I recently found myself in a SEEKING PHASE of my own.

Our move to Florida & the process of establishing a farm has been INCREDIBLY unpredictable & full of setbacks that seemed like they would never end.

It was taking a noticeable toll on my mood and motivation to continue this daunting process.

None of the tools in my rather large self-care toolbox were helping much...so I started seeking...

What skills will build resilience to find my way through?

(because 2+ years into this process, giving up looked VERY enticing!)

What I came across was the incredible work of Dr. Kristin Neff & her research on Self-Compassion

At first I rejected the idea as something that would just make me "soft" or decrease my motivation...

but as I listened to her research findings I learned that her approach to Self-Compassion is shown to BUILD incredible RESILIENCE and PERSEVERENCE in the face of challenge (just what I needed!!)

Neff's work brings together the 2 components for a BALANCED approach to Self-Compassion:

• Tender, Accepting Self-Compassion that offers soothing in times of suffering
• Fierce, action based Self-Compassion that creates safety and motivation

As I faced my current struggles I found this combination of Tender & FIERCE Self-Compassion to be incredibly supportive. It is about learning to be KIND to yourself when you are suffering and also taking ACTION to alleviate that suffering. Two things that are essential to keep moving forward!

If you are in your own phase of navigating challenges and SEEKING new skills for resilience & growth...the practices of Self-Compassion can help you to tap into an incredible reservoir of caring & strength.

CULTIVATING Self-Compassion: Online Course

In the upcoming weeks I will be sharing lectures, meditation practices, and yoga sessions that incorporate this evidence-based system.

Several are already in the Yoga Therapy Video Library HERE if you want to check them out!

Or keep an eye out for the launch date of the full course!!

Thanks for being here!

-Laura

Laura Goellner

Yoga Therapist & Occupational Therapist

www.LauraGyoga.com

@LauraGyoga