Compassion can be misunderstood as mere tenderness or sentimentality. Self-compassion moves us to ask ourselves, “What do I need to help alleviate my suffering?” The answer to this question changes depending on the circumstances. Sometimes, we need to rest in our belovedness. At other times, when we need to protect or provide for ourselves and our loved ones, self-compassion can be fierce. We find an example of such fierce self-compassion in the story of the Prophet Miriam and the actions she takes to save her brother and, in the process, her people.

www.TheLoftLA.org