Living with chronic illness challenges can often lead to feelings of frustration and self-judgment. But what if I told you there’s a foundation for your neural retraining program that can transform these feelings? It’s called compassionate awareness.
Compassionate awareness is foundational because it helps reduce limbic dysregulation by calming the limbic system in the presence of emotional, physical, and mental triggers. It allows the Mindful Self, that place of gentle self leadership, to be the guide, rather than letting the limbic system run the show. Without compassionate awareness, we keep the limbic system triggered, which prevents the body from doing its healing work.
By creating a safe space through compassionate awareness, we can soothe our nervous system and promote a state of calm and relaxation. This practice sets the stage for our body’s natural healing processes to take place.
Creating a safe space involves three essential parts: no judgment, no repercussions, and unconditional love for yourself.
The first part is letting go of judgment. Creating a safe space means letting go of any judgment of our thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, or overreactions. I remember when I first started becoming aware of my internal thoughts, I realized how often I judged myself and would say, ‘I am such an idiot.’ Honestly, we can be more judgmental of ourselves than other people are of us. This constant self-judgment keeps our limbic system triggered, on guard, and stuck in a state of fearful defensiveness.
Imagine living without that harsh inner critic. It’s so freeing and it’s essential for calming our nervous system. Remember, this safe space is a judgment-free zone.
The second part of creating a safe space is ensuring there are no repercussions. I remember times when I would overeat chocolate or ice cream to avoid difficult emotions, only to then punish myself by starving myself or over-exercising for the next several days. We constantly bring up old mistakes and punish ourselves. This fear of repercussions can keep us bottled up in fear and limbic dysregulation.
When we’re focused on compassionate awareness, we are able to let go of this cycle. Allow yourself to make mistakes without the looming threat of punishment. It’s about understanding that we are human and that mistakes are part of our journey.
The third and final part of compassionate awareness is unconditional love for yourself. This means accepting that you are doing the very best you can in this moment. It’s about loving yourself not just when things are going well, but especially when you feel unlovable. That’s when we need love the most. This doesn’t excuse difficult behaviors but honors our process as we move through them. It means speaking kindly to ourselves and respecting our journey.
Unconditional love involves being gentle with ourselves, recognizing our inherent worth, and showing ourselves the same compassion we would offer a dear friend. It’s about acknowledging our efforts and understanding that we are worthy of love and kindness, no matter what.”
Creating a safe space through compassionate awareness is foundational for self-directed neuroplasticity. It starts with releasing judgment, eliminating the fear of repercussions, and embracing unconditional love for ourselves. By doing so, we foster a calm and regulated state, paving the way for true healing and growth.
Remember, compassionate awareness is a journey that requires patience and dedication. It takes practice, but it’s a powerful tool for relaxing your limbic system and rewiring your nervous system to a healthier, more balanced state of being.
No matter where you are in your wellness journey, I’m glad you’re here. And know that I’m here cheering you on.
