The yoga of self-compassion: finding peace within
In a world that often glorifies pushing through, striving harder, and putting others first, self-compassion can feel like an afterthought—or even a weakness. But what if embracing self-compassion was actually our greatest strength? What if it was the missing ingredient to a life filled with vitality, ease, and joy? And what if yoga can teach us how?
What is Self-Compassion?
Self-compassion is the practice of treating ourselves with the same kindness, care, and understanding that we would offer a dear friend. Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading researcher on self-compassion, describes it as having three key elements:
Self-kindness: Being warm and understanding toward ourselves, rather than self-critical.
Common humanity: Recognising that suffering and imperfection are part of the shared human experience, which means we will experience those things too.
Mindfulness: Being present with our pain without over-identifying with it or pushing it away.
Why Self-Compassion is Essential in Yoga and Life
So many of us, especially women, have been conditioned to believe that being kind to ourselves is self-indulgent or lazy. But research shows the opposite (check out this list of references for more info). People who practice self-compassion tend to be more resilient, less anxious, and more motivated than those who rely on self-criticism to drive them forward.
Yoga can be such a beautiful way to learn self-compassion. Each time we step onto the mat we are a slightly different person, with different thoughts, energy levels and physical abilities. If we can balance perfectly in tree pose one week and and wobble our way through the next, we can learn that we aren’t always perfect, and that’s okay.
In addition to the physical practice, yoga philosophy, through the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, offer wisdom that aligns beautifully with self-compassion. The first yama, (or ethical practice) is Ahimsa (non-harming), teaching us to live with kindness—not just toward others, but also toward ourselves. When we stop punishing ourselves for not being ‘perfect’ and instead nurture ourselves with care and patience, we honour ahimsa in its deepest form.
Self-compassion also supports Santosha (contentment), another key yogic principle. When we accept ourselves as we are—flawed, growing, evolving—we find more peace in the present moment. Instead of striving for an unattainable ideal, we embrace our enough-ness, just as we are.
How to Cultivate Self-Compassion
Bringing more self-compassion into our lives doesn’t require a complete overhaul—just small, consistent shifts in the way we treat ourselves. Here are a few ways to start:
Practice Gentle Yoga: Choose a yoga practice that nurtures your body, rather than one driven by force or perfectionism.
Notice Your Self-Talk: When you catch yourself being self-critical, pause. Ask, “Would I speak this way to a friend?” If not, soften your words.
Practice Loving-Kindness Meditation: A simple practice of sending love and kind wishes to yourself can rewire the brain for greater self-acceptance. Download my loving kindness audio here.
Embrace Imperfection: Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them without spiralling into self-blame.
Take Rest Seriously: Rest isn’t a reward for being ‘productive enough’—it’s essential for your wellbeing. Honour your need for rest without guilt.
Join Me for a Self-Compassion Retreat
If you’re longing to experience self-compassion in a deeply nourishing and embodied way, I invite you to join me for my upcoming Self-Compassion Retreat. Through gentle yoga, meditation, and heart-centred reflection, we’ll explore what it means to truly be kind to ourselves. This is your time to step away from the demands of daily life and reconnect with your own tender heart.
Are you ready to embrace the yoga of self-compassion and find peace within?
Spaces are limited, so if you’re feeling the call, click here to book your spot today.
