Host Robert Strock discusses how to continually develop self-compassion by identifying the healing intentions that lie at the heart of who we are. All too frequently when we have challenging feelings, we react in negative emotional l ways, which is an expression of (usually unconscious) self-rejection. That's when it's time to remind ourselves that our feelings aren't the most important part of who we are. Feelings are feelings, and in many cases, they're perpetually involuntary. We can reduce self-rejection by identifying feelings and recognizing that though we have those feelings, they are not the best reflections of our central identity. Each of us has a place inside where we want to be good and helpful. That person who lies beneath the feelings and consistently desires good, that's the most essential person who can move toward healing self-rejection.

In this light, deep ongoing awareness requires not just feeling challenging emotions or expressing them, but moving toward tolerance, acceptance, caring, and empathy to these feelings and ourselves. When we feel difficult feelings, we must continually ask ourselves how we can care for ourselves while being immersed in those feelings. Going back to and identifying and activating our core caring intentions of goodness, empathy, and helpfulness is a process of developing self-love. Continue to ask, "What intention will lead me toward caring and compassion?" This process of recognizing our challenges and responding with caring leads us toward self-acceptance and reduced self-rejection. Identifying our healing intentions and then asking how we help ourselves helps us move in that direction.

Listen to the episode and find out more at Awareness That Heals