the gift of a healthy sense of self

True compassion arises from a healthy sense of self, from an awareness of who we are that honors our own capacities and fears,  our own feelings and integrity, along with those of others.

Bring your attention to the pain as if you were gently comforting a child, holding it all in a loving and soothing attention.

Begin to recite inwardly the following phrases directed at yourself. You begin with yourself because without loving yourself it is almost impossible to love others.

May I be filled with loving-kindness.
May I be well.
May I be peaceful and at ease.
May I be happy.

Compassion for ourselves gives rise to the power to transform resentment into forgiveness, hatred into friendliness, and fear into respect for all beings.

- Jack Kornfield, American teacher and Buddhist in the Theravada tradition.