Brene Brown, Ph.D, LMSW
Towards the end of today’s practice I asked each student to share one thing that they liked about themselves…..easy question, right? Well, to my surprise not so much……there were puzzled looks, feelings of awkwardness, and a lot of silence. So, I then decided to ask what it is one thing you don’t like about yourselves…….the room filled with laughter, and everyone in that instance realized how it’s become acceptable to focus on, and keep hold of the negative thoughts, perspectives, feelings, ideas, etc. Why is that?
One student, Susan, shared that she didn’t want others to think she was “stuck-up” by saying nice things about herself. Other students admitted they just haven’t given it much thought. What I heard was the concern about being judged from others, as well as having a lack of compassion for self. So, I went around the room again asking what is the one thing you like about yourself? With red cheeks, small smiles, and eyes that glanced towards the floor…….slowly they began to share what they felt was great about their individual selves.
Some liked physical things about their appearance, others liked qualities of their personality, and I enjoyed being a part of a moment sharing compassion without judgement. Mind you, I didn’t share my one thing, but I too had a list of things I could have shared that I didn’t like about me……..and it’s funny, we work so hard not to be judged by others, all the while we are constantly judging ourselves. On that same thought…..while we have compassion for others, we practice little to none for ourselves. Really, stop and think, when’s the last time you said to yourself, “Job well done!” Maybe it’s time to make a shift in thinking. To embrace ourselves for the good, the bad, the fun, the boring, the days of looking fabulous, and the days of staying in our jammies. All of it is us, so embrace it, love it and be glad that it’s yours.
Today, I decided to purchase Brene Brown’s book, The Gifts of Imperfection: Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be, and embrace who you are. She has done years of research, as well as her own soul searching on this topic of being vulnerable and loving self. I invite you to view this 20 minute video clip…..it’s well worth your time, and it just might empower you to let go and feel good about you being you! So, the next time you’re asked what it is that you like about yourself……without doubt, fear or hesitation you’ll have an answer, and feel wonderful sharing it. By the way, I’ve given it some thought, and I like my neck and shoulders :).
please view and enjoy: http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html?source=facebook#.T-Hz_W53y_t.facebook
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