Self-compassion - the path to inner peace

Imagine this: You make a small mistake at work and suddenly a wave of devastating self-criticism washes over you. Does this sound familiar? You're not alone - studies show that up to 80% of people regularly suffer from destructive self-criticism. But there is a better way: self-compassion.

In a world characterised by perfectionism and constant pressure to perform, the ability to treat oneself with understanding and compassion is becoming an essential skill.

• How do you learn to recognise and understand your inner critic?

• How do you master techniques for developing self-compassion?

• How do you achieve lasting changes in the way you deal with yourself?

• How do you find emotional stability and inner peace?

Overcoming the merciless inner critic

Self-compassion is the ability to treat ourselves in difficult moments with the same kindness and understanding that we would show a good friend. It is the antithesis of destructive self-criticism and enables us to learn from our mistakes without judging ourselves for them.

4 steps to more self-compassion

1. Recognise your inner critic

Our inner critic often speaks up automatically - especially in stressful situations or after perceived mistakes. Learn to recognise this critical voice. Pay attention to sentences like:

• "You should have known better"

• "Others can do it much better"

• "You're just not good enough"

Uncovering these patterns is the first step towards change. If you can identify your inner critic, you have already laid the foundation for a healthier self-relationship.

1. Attentive self-awareness

Mindfulness creates the necessary distance between trigger and reaction. Take 5-10 minutes a day to:

• Watch your breath

• Perceive body sensations

• Letting thoughts pass without judgement

This practice helps you to step out of the autopilot of self-criticism and adopt an observant, compassionate attitude.

1. Develop a benevolent inner voice

Imagine how you would comfort a good friend in a similar situation. This view will help you to develop a friendlier inner voice. Practise phrases like:

• "This is a difficult moment - be patient with yourself"

• "Mistakes are human and help us to grow"

• "You do your best, that's enough"

1. Accept yourself

Perfectionism is often the root of excessive self-criticism. Accept that you - like all people - are imperfect and are allowed to be. This means

• Know and respect your limits

• Accept "good enough" as sufficient

• Understanding mistakes as learning opportunities

1. Incorporate self-care into your everyday life

Sustainable change requires regular practice. Integrate small self-care rituals into your everyday life:

• A consciously benevolent look in the mirror in the morning

• A few steps during the lunch break

• Evening journaling about positive moments

Practice makes perfect

Developing self-compassion is a journey. With each day of conscious practice, new patterns of thinking and feeling become stronger. You will notice how:

• Your strength in difficult situations grows

• Your stress and anxiety levels drop

• Improve your relationships

• Your zest for life increases

Conclusion

Overcoming an unfair inner critic is difficult, but every step towards self-compassion is a step towards more inner freedom and contentment.

Practical tip at the end: Choose one of the five steps and practise it consciously for a week. Observe how the way you deal with yourself changes. Sometimes it's the smallest steps that bring about the biggest changes.