Why Is Self-Compassion Important

In this talk, we explore how the most significant damage we face doesn't come from the world outside, but from the moments we turn against ourselves. Drawing on the wisdom of the African proverb, we look at how ignoring our intuition, neglecting our bodies, and delaying our joy are the real costs of a life lived without self-kindness.

Learn why your "mistakes" are often just symptoms of not listening to your own talents, and why choosing joy today, rather than waiting for a milestone, is the most practical and powerful decision you can make.

Transcript

Why is self-compassion important?

Because no one can do as much harm to you as you can do towards yourself.

There's an African proverb that when there's no enemy inside,

The enemies outside can't hurt you.

And that is true.

Every time you eat food that's bad for your body,

You're harming yourself.

Anytime you make a decision that you have the gut feeling intuition that it won't work out,

It usually does not work out.

You're working against yourself.

Every time you strain your body and keep working when you're super tired and you make bad decisions,

You're going against yourself.

Every time you do something to meet someone else's expectations,

That doesn't really matter to you and is not part of your greater intention,

You're harming yourself.

So the thing that's going to cost you the most in your life isn't even taxes,

Although taxes will be your greatest expense.

Even greater than that are just mistakes you make because you're not listening to yourself and you're not following your own true talents.

I teach self-compassion because there is nothing more important than connection to yourself,

To your values,

To the impact you want to make deeply within inherently,

The things that are inherently rewarding,

And not denying yourself joy,

Letting yourself connect to joy every single day.

When we turn against ourselves,

We deprive ourselves of joy.

We're like,

No,

You don't deserve this.

You need to get into medical school before you deserve this.

You need to reach this income.

You need to get married.

You need to reach this milestone,

And then you can find joy.

So the most important thing you can do is come from a place of self-compassion,

Self-kindness always,

And that's what makes for a truly good life.