I'm stressed but I'm fine.

Published: Sat, 06/18/16

"Minimizing Yourself"

(this is not good news, but there is a solution)

with Jan Lundy

Lovely friend,

Oh, my gosh. Since announcing the "Self-Compassion Sadhana for Women with Health Challenges" the other day I have been sent some very interesting responses. The common theme? "My life and pain are not so bad right now." "I can handle this." (Meaning, "I don't need to join the Sadhana. I can push through.")

What this says to me is that we (as women) have a BIG problem with 1.) acknowledging our own suffering, 2.) minimizing our suffering because we know we can soldier on, 3.) not wanting to appear weak, or even allow ourselves to be vulnerable by saying "I'm not doing very well with this", or God forbid, "I need help", 4). wearing masks of perfection, wanting to appear that we have it all together, 5.) not wanting to be labeled as "sick" and perhaps be marginalized or diminished. Oy.

Because of these mindsets, we often suffer alone, needlessly, not knowing how to care for ourselves in kind ways. Double oy!!!

"I don't really have a health challenge worth complaining about."

I bet you do. Odds say that you do. If you have a BIG health challenge like cancer, Parkinson's, or MS, or, if you've been injured and need a cane or wheelchair to move about, it's pretty obvious.

But what about "hidden" (or invisible) health challenges, like:

migraine headaches

fibromyalgia

chronic pain

chronic fatigue

Diabetes

epilepsy

body aches & pains (from aging)

high blood pressure & heart issues

asthma, allergies, lung issues

complications from an injury

And what about conditions like:

anxiety

chronic worry

depression

insomnia

I have invisible health challenges. Three, in fact!

Are these "health conditions" worthy of attention and care? Absolutely!

Anytime we're struggling with anything—with our body or our mind—that's called "suffering," and we need and are deserving of compassion because suffering, and DENYING OUR SUFFERING, has the potential to minimize our happiness and total well-being.

Now, do you think you might have a health challenge worthy of self-compassion?

Are you deserving of your own goodwill? Do you know how to calm and soothe yourself in difficult moments? Do you know how to care well for yourself and maintain optimal well-being even in the midst of a health flair, physical or emotional? Or during moments of actual pain?

If your answer is Yes, please consider joining me for the "Self-Compassion Sadhana for Women with Health Challenges" beginning June 22.

I'm co-leading a 21-day online journey into self-compassion with my sweet daughter, Taylor (age 26), who has chronic and hidden health issues, and wisdom beyond her years because of it.

Please watch the video below to learn how you can begin to acknowledge and care for your own health challenges in an uplifting, empowered, nourishing way—with self-compassion!

click to watch

I love and care deeply for you and your well-being. I really do. I want you to be "as well as possible." And happy. Please join us!

With metta (loving-kindness),

Jan

Jan Lundy

Interfaith Spiritual Director/Mentor, Educator and Author

www.TheKindestThing.com

www.JanLundy.com

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