Self-Critic versus Self-Compassion

I feel tremendously privileged to be given the opportunity to guide beautiful souls in their yoga practice. I aim to deliver clear cues and creative sequencing. But sometimes, like all yoga teachers, I confuse my students. I call out a pose on one side and completely forget the same pose on the other. I say 'inhale,' when I clearly mean 'exhale.' Bottom line: I'm human.

Recently I taught a live virtual class, which has become the norm nowadays (my thoughts on this in another post). I forgot the lunge variation on the other side. I didn’t realize it until hours later. It just popped into my head. Ugh. I instantly felt annoyed with myself. And here's the kicker - the intention and theme for the class was centered around sending ourselves and others 'loving-kindness.' How quickly I fell back into negatively judging my mistakes.

While being frustrated with my mistake, I reveled in my awareness of the moment I noticed that my inner critic was trying to take over. I paused. I allowed myself a minute to feel the annoyance rise and fall, and then I turned my attention to my own class lesson…send myself some loving-kindness.

I'm on a mission to quiet my self-critic, while feeding my soul with self-compassion. It takes work. Kindness is something our parents taught us - but it was primarily focused on others: "Be kind to your neighbor, your siblings, your friends, your teachers."  Now as a parent I encourage my children to show themselves compassion above all else. Treat yourself (or “treat yo' self” in the vernacular of the hit-show Parks and Recreation) to the kindness you deserve. Then watch how your self-compassion emanates to those around you.

In an earlier post, I shared the Dalai Lama’s wise words: “Be kind whenever possible. It’s always possible.” 

I’d like to add: “Start with yourself.”