In these challenging days of COVID-19 many of us are close to our limit of tolerance and ‘giving’. It is like we have squeezed the last piece of energy, good-will, capacity to give. Over almost a year we have travelled the highs and lows (mainly lows if we are honest) of this global pandemic. We have done extra shifts, we have pivoted to new ways of working, new ways of caring and new ways of protecting ourselves and others. We are all ‘the frontline’.
So, what has this to do with kindness? Well, following the challenges of the last year, we can find it harder to be tolerant, to be forgiving, to be accommodating. We are triggered more easily and react more quickly than before. So, thinking of kindness helps us to pause, reflect and then lean into kindness in our interactions and responses. This is a two-way street. It also calls us to be kinder to ourselves. We are only human: only human.
How can you be kind to yourself when you find yourself falling into a default of self-criticism?
Practicing self-kindness is best achieved when it is intentional, structured (in terms of making time for it) and authentic (not a tick-box exercise). Take a few moments to think about what gives you a sense of inner peace, stability, steadiness? Whatever it is, even if only for 2 minutes in a side room off a busy work area, do it! Treat it like you would a restroom break, or a hand sanitising moment. Time to attend to your inner self, to be kind to yourself -forgiving, affirming, believing. Then we are in a much better place to respond kindly to others who are having a tough day.
Clinical Pastoral Supervision & Education 